Jeffrey Donaldson given 15 years - but will be out in seven

Jeffrey Donaldson received a 15 year sentence in prison for his crimes. He was given 11 years for rape against Victim B and four years for all offences against Victim A, to be served consecutively.

The former MP and ex-DUP leader was sentenced in Newry Courthouse on Thursday morning.

However, later on Thursday after the Lady Chief Justice confirmed Donaldson will actually walk free in seven-and-a-half years.

That is because the crimes were committed before the law changed in 2008, so he will automatically be entitled to 50pc remission of his sentence.

He was found guilty of 18 child sex abuse charges, including rape, in June.

Donaldson is trying to win an appeal, and his denials were an aggravating factor in the sentencing.

However, as it stands, the 63-year-old will emerge from prison as a 78-year-old pensioner.

Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Allison Morris outside Newry Crown Court.

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