DUP orders review into party knowledge of Donaldson sex offences
5 reported
According to a Press Association report cited by The Guardian, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has ordered an “unprecedented review” to establish what was known within the party about the conduct of convicted sex offender and former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. The review will be led by Jim Gamble, a former senior police officer and current head of the INEQE Safeguarding Group. The Northern Ireland Survivor Council expressed concern because INEQE is also conducting a safeguarding review of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and it emerged that Donaldson’s victims had previously disclosed abuse to church officials. The council questioned whether one organisation can independently and robustly conduct both reviews. Donaldson was convicted last month at Newry Crown Court of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, relating to the abuse of two women when they were children. Robinson said he was very pleased that Gamble and his company agreed to the review.
What’s reported
DUP leader Gavin Robinson ordered an “unprecedented review” into what the party knew about Jeffrey Donaldson’s conduct.
The review will be led by Jim Gamble, former senior police officer and head of the INEQE Safeguarding Group.
The Northern Ireland Survivor Council expressed concern because INEQE is also reviewing the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, where victims had previously disclosed abuse.
Donaldson was convicted last month at Newry Crown Court of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children.
Robinson said he was pleased Gamble and his company agreed to the review.
Key figures
Gavin Robinson, DUP leader
Jeffrey Donaldson, former DUP leader and convicted sex offender
Jim Gamble, former senior police officer and head of INEQE Safeguarding Group
Northern Ireland Survivor Council (as an organisation)
Sources: The Guardian
