Julian O'Neill

Jeffrey Donaldson has filed an appeal against his 18 sex offence convictions, including rape, while awaiting sentencing in Maghaberry Prison. His legal team submitted the appeal documents to the Court of Appeal in Belfast, outlining grounds that may challenge the judge’s final remarks and an unsuccessful bid to separate his trial from his wife's related proceedings. A decision on whether the appeal can proceed is expected around September. Donaldson was convicted on 22 June 2026, while a jury also found that his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, had committed the acts in all charges during her trial of the facts. Following his conviction, Donaldson resigned from the Privy Council and requested forfeiture of his knighthood.