How four weeks in court unravelled 'sinful and deceitful' Jeffrey Donaldson

How four weeks in court unravelled 'sinful and deceitful' Jeffrey Donaldson12 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleLuke SprouleBBC News NI, Newry Crown CourtPA MediaSir Jeffrey Donaldson almost looked like he walked into court straight from the House of Commons on the first day of his sex abuse trial at Newry Crown Court.Calm and relaxed, shorn of the short beard he'd sported at some previous court appearances and smartly dressed in a blue suit and green tie, it was like the intervening two years since his sudden and shocking arrest had never happened.When the judge asked the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader if he was ready to begin, he replied confidently: "Yes."But over the next four weeks, as the 29-year Westminster veteran heard the case against him over 18 charges, allegedly committed against two women when they were children, he cut an increasingly lonely figure.His wife, and co-accused, Lady Eleanor Donaldson was not by his side or in court at all, having been found unfit to face a conventional trial on mental health grounds.No other witnesses, other than Donaldson himself, were called to give evidence in his defence.She was facing a trial of the facts, meaning she could not be found guilty. But in five charges, including four related to aiding and abetting, the jury found she had done the acts.Live updates: Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of 18 child sex abuse chargesJeffrey Donaldson's life in politics: From DUP leader to convicted child sex abuserOne of the UK's most high-profile politicians, a man who had spent his career around people, was on his own, as the jury delivered their verdicts - guilty of all 18 child sex abuse charges, including one count of rape.His wife was facing a trial of the facts, meaning she could not be found guilty. But in five charges, including four related to aiding and abetting, the jury found she had done the acts.PA MediaLady Eleanor Donaldson was found...