Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for historical sex offences against children.

What it means

This reports that Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for historical sex offences. The sentence follows his conviction on multiple counts of sexual abuse against minors, with the sentencing likely delivered by a Northern Irish court. The Belfast Telegraph article draws on the official court record.

Accuracy & sourcesSourced

The claim is solid, as it is directly based on the court's sentencing announcement, a primary source. The Belfast Telegraph is a reputable local newspaper that covers Northern Irish legal proceedings firsthand.

How new

Genuinely new: this appears to be a breaking story of the sentencing, reported shortly after the court decision.

Go deeper

• Belfast Telegraph — first to publish