Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson to appeal sex offence convictions

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson will appeal against his sex offense convictions, it has been confirmed.

His legal team submitted the papers to the Court of Appeal in Belfast on Friday.

The document details the reasons why he will seek to have all 18 guilty verdicts annulled.

Donaldson is awaiting sentencing in Maghaberry Prison after being convicted of 18 counts of sexual abuse, including one rape, inflicted on two women when they were children.

The move was announced in a brief statement by Donaldson’s attorney, John McBurney.

It read: “I can confirm that I filed appeal papers on behalf of Jeffrey Donaldson with the appropriate office of the Court of Appeal this afternoon.”

It was known that Donaldson was considering this step.

The reasons are likely to include some of judge Paul Ramsey’s final comments to the jury at Newry Crown Court.

They could also address a failed attempt by Donaldson’s lawyers to separate his trial from the case on the facts of his wife, Eleanor Donaldson.

If that were the case, his police interview would not have been played at trial.

An attempt to overturn the convictions is unlikely to result in a conviction.

The process will include a hearing at which leave to appeal will either be granted or refused; It is estimated that this may happen in September.

If permission is granted, a full hearing will be held at a later stage.