Jeffrey Donaldson expected to be sentenced next month

Convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Donaldson is expected to be sentenced in October, a court has heard.

The former DUP leader was convicted in June of 18 counts of sex abuse, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children.

The 63-year-old, who is currently in Maghaberry Prison as he awaits his sentencing, was not present at the review hearing at Newry Crown Court.

Judge Paul Ramsey said he had received two victim impact reports, from the two complainants in the case. He said a number of other reports, including medical, were yet to be provided.

Judge Ramsey also confirmed the court would return on 25 September to hear submissions from the prosecution and defence prior to the passing of his sentence.

"I will not be sentencing the defendant until later some time in October," he told the court.

Having previously thanked the jury and legal teams for their contribution to the Donaldson trial at the time of the verdict, Judge Ramsey further commended the print press and broadcast media.

He said he had been "impressed with the care and accuracy" of the reporting of the case.

Donaldson was found guilty of all 18 sex abuse counts he faced following a four-week trial in June.

The jury of seven men and five women deliberated for 10 hours over three days before reaching their verdicts.

Donaldson's wife, Eleanor Donaldson, had faced a trial of the facts on mental health grounds, meaning the jury was asked to find out if she did the acts or did not do the acts of which she was accused. She did not participate in proceedings

The jury also found that she had done the acts in relation to all five charges - including four counts of aiding and abetting her husband's offending.

She is to be dealt with under the Mental Health Order.