Jeffrey Donaldson under rape probe over 2016 Westminster incident

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police over an alleged rape in the Houses of Parliament in 2016, according to reports from BBC News and Sky News ^[1][2]. The 63-year-old former MP, already serving a 15-year sentence for 18 child sex offences committed between 1985 and 2008, is set to be interviewed by police.

The allegation was referred to the Met by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which had already interviewed the woman who made the claim ^[2]. The Met confirmed it received the report on 13 October and is treating it as an ongoing investigation ^[3]. No arrests have been made, and the probe remains in its early stages.

The woman, believed to be from Northern Ireland, previously told the Belfast Telegraph she was assaulted in Donaldson’s DUP office in 2016, alleging he tried to get her to drink vodka shots before attempting to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt ^[2]. She has now also alleged rape, according to BBC sources.

Concerns about Donaldson’s conduct in London surfaced earlier this year in a BBC NI Spotlight documentary, where a former senior PSNI detective claimed to have seen him drunk in Parliament ^[2]. Two other former police officers also reported seeing him entering a gay sauna near Westminster, contradicting his public Christian image.

Donaldson was unanimously convicted in June of multiple sexual offences against two victims, leading to his 15-year prison sentence ^[2]. He is currently seeking to appeal his convictions.

The case has drawn national attention, highlighting the intersection of political power and abuse allegations within the UK’s political elite.