Sir Jeffrey Donaldson convicted on all 18 sex-abuse charges

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of all 18 sex abuse charges he faced at Newry Crown Court on Monday, BBC News reported. He is spending his first night in Maghaberry Prison after being remanded in custody following the verdict. Donaldson has been told to expect a lengthy sentence for the child sex crimes including rape.

Prison sources said he will face up to 12 hours a day in his cell, which he may share with another inmate, and will be kept under tight observation. On Tuesday he will have breakfast on the landing with other prisoners. His mobile phone was taken upon entry, and he is entitled to one visit every four weeks.

The conviction has shaken Northern Ireland's political landscape, BBC News reported. Donaldson was automatically expelled from the DUP after two years passed in March following his arrest. The party lost three Westminster seats two years ago, with senior DUP sources saying his arrest and charges dominated doorstep discussions and that many voters stayed home on polling day after he appeared in court on the eve of the vote.

Before his arrest Donaldson led the DUP out of Stormont and returned after agreeing the Safeguarding the Union deal. BBC News reported that his two victims met face-to-face in January while he was negotiating the deal. Two months later they went to police.

Police arrived at his door the week after he traveled to Washington. His conviction has led TUV leader Jim Allister to question whether Donaldson had been compromised before agreeing to the deal. Donaldson will now be remembered for his criminal record rather than his political career, BBC News reported.