London police investigate alleged 2016 rape involving former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson
London’s Metropolitan police are investigating an alleged rape in parliament in 2016 involving former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. The report was referred by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 13 October; no arrests have been made.
Image: theguardian.com · Author: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/aletha-adu · source articleEditorial excerpt for news reporting
London’s Metropolitan police are investigating an allegation that Jeffrey Donaldson raped a woman inside parliament in 2016.
The report was received from the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 13 October. Police said the case involves one victim, who is being supported by specialist officers.
Case referred to London police
PSNI officers interviewed the woman, who is from Northern Ireland. The case was referred to the Metropolitan police because the alleged offence was reported to have taken place in London.
The investigation is at an early stage. No arrests have been made, and inquiries are continuing.
The Belfast Telegraph reported that Donaldson invited the woman on a tour of the House of Commons, where he introduced her to prominent figures. It said he later took her to dinner and then brought her to the DUP offices in parliament.
Donaldson led the Democratic Unionist party from 2021 to 2024. Police said the man referred to in the report is now 63.
What we know
- London police are investigating an alleged rape of a woman in parliament in 2016.
- The Police Service of Northern Ireland referred the report on 13 October.
- The investigation is in its early stages and no arrests have been made.
- Jeffrey Donaldson led the Democratic Unionist party from 2021 to 2024.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: The Guardian World.
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