The sentencing of Jeffrey Donaldson on Thursday for child sex offences, including rape, confirmed that the former DUP leader is by any standards a monster who inflicted an appalling and prolonged ordeal on his young victims.

Judge Paul Ramsey set out the position graphically at Newry Crown Court when he jailed Donaldson for 15 years, and said his behaviour had led him to a “catastrophic descent into disgrace”.

A wide range of issues emerged from the case, some judicial but others plainly political, which will all have to be given serious and comprehensive consideration in the days ahead.

However, the priority must be providing support for and paying tribute to the two courageous and determined women who ensured Donaldson’s conviction by providing compelling evidence against him.

Stephanie Chase:........

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