- The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into an allegation that former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson raped a woman in the Houses of Parliament in 2016.
- The report was passed to the Met by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 13 October, with early-stage inquiries ongoing and the victim receiving support from specialist officers.
- Donaldson was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison at Newry Crown Court after being convicted of 18 historical sex offences against two children between 1985 and 2008.
- Judge Paul Ramsey criticised the 63-year-old for showing no regret, apology or shame regarding his convictions, describing his downfall as a catastrophic descent into disgrace.
- Following his sentencing, Donaldson has been stripped of his knighthood and removed from the Privy Council, though his solicitor confirmed that an appeal has been lodged.
IN FULL
Disgraced ex-DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson faces fresh Houses of Parliament rape allegation