The State of Us

19. The verdict

The State of Us

Show Notes

A special programme from The State of Us podcast. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is a convicted paedophile and child rapist. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, who faced five charges including four related to aiding and abetting, is found to have done the acts. Tara Mills and Declan Harvey have been in court throughout the trial and heard every piece of evidence put to the jury. They bring you the detail of the final day in the Donaldson sex abuse trial, and reaction to the verdicts.

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Oct 22, 2026

As a preview to The State of Us live show at the Belfast Media Festival in November Tara Mills and Declan Harvey take an in-depth look at the popularity of court podcasts. Why are people so fascinated with the detail from inside trials and inquests. Register here to be in the audience on November 10th belfastmediafestival.co.uk.

Oct 20, 2026

The outcome of the most recent legal challenge of the decisions on the Drumcree march will be revealed next week. Today, lawyers for Garvaghy Road residents said they should not be conflated with dissident republicans. The PSNI’s barrister said mentions of the Provisional IRA were outside the confines of this case, and concerns should be taken up with the Policing Board.

Oct 20, 2026

Garvaghy Road residents lost their bid to challenge the Parades Commission's decision in the Court of Appeal today. What arguments were made? Why did the right to march win out? And what does this ruling mean for other Orange Order parades across Northern Ireland?

Oct 19, 2026

Police intelligence found dissident republicans may have mounted gun attacks on officers had they cleared a path for a parade on the Garvaghy Road. Loyalist paramilitaries were also "depicting signs of frustration". The intelligence was revealed at Belfast High Court today, where Sir Chris Bryant’s decision to ban the contentious parade is being challenged by the Portadown Orange Order.

Oct 15, 2026

A special programme from The State of Us podcast. Tara Mills and Declan Harvey report on the fifteen year prison sentence handed down to Jeffrey Donaldson for child sex abuse. The former DUP leader was convicted in June of rape, gross indecency and indecent assault of two women when they were children. The programme hears what the judge said to the sixty three old former MP and knight of the realm, and also hears statements from the two victims and the police.

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