Met Police Probe Jeffrey Donaldson Over 2016 Allegation in Parliament

Key points

• The Metropolitan Police confirmed on October 13 that they received a report from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) regarding an alleged rape in 2016.
• The alleged incident took place in London, necessitating the transfer of the case from the PSNI to the Met, as the victim was initially interviewed by Northern Ireland police.
• Donaldson, now 63, is currently serving a 15-year sentence for 18 historical sexual offenses against two victims, including one count of rape, committed between 1985 and 2008.
• The Met stated that the investigation is in its early stages, with no arrests made yet, and the victim is being supported by specialist officers.
• Donaldson, who led the DUP from 2021 to 2024, is currently isolated in a health unit at Maghaberry Prison and has indicated he intends to appeal his recent convictions.

Background

Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years in prison in mid-October 2026 for the sexual abuse of two girls when they were children. Judge Paul Ramsey described the crimes as a 'catastrophic descent into disgrace.' Due to pre-2008 sentencing laws, he will serve only half of his sentence in custody. He is currently held in isolation at Maghaberry Prison due to security concerns regarding his political and military background.

How outlets are covering it

The BBC, LBC, and Belfast Telegraph all report the core facts of the new investigation, noting the jurisdictional handover from the PSNI to the Met. The BBC emphasizes the location of the alleged crime as the 'heart of the political establishment.' LBC highlights the timeline, noting the 2016 date coincided with his time as an MP. The Belfast Telegraph frames the story as a 'further' allegation while he was serving as an MP. All outlets agree that the Met has confirmed the investigation but has not named Donaldson directly in their official statement, referring to him only as a 63-year-old man.

Why it matters

This development adds a new layer of alleged sexual misconduct to Donaldson's recent high-profile convictions, potentially impacting his appeal process and raising further questions about conduct within the UK Parliament during his tenure as a senior political figure.

What to watch

The Metropolitan Police will continue its early-stage investigation into the 2016 allegation. Donaldson is expected to proceed with his appeal against his 15-year sentence for the historical child sexual offenses. The DUP has stated that Donaldson 'deserves every day' of his prison sentence, focusing on the support of the victims from the previous trial.