Statement by Jon Burrows MLA, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party on Donaldson guilty verdict.

"Today a jury has found Jeffrey Donaldson guilty on all charges. These are among the gravest crimes imaginable, committed against the most vulnerable by a man who spent his career demanding the public's trust.

"I want to pay tribute to the brave women who gave evidence against Jeffrey Donaldson about the abuse he inflicted on them; they and their families are in my thoughts in the days ahead. Their ordeal has been unimaginable.

"The fact that Donaldson showed no remorse and called his victims liars is reprehensible.

"There is no rank, no title, and no past office that places anyone above the law. Jeffrey Donaldson abused his power and betrayed everyone who ever placed their faith in him. He must now be stripped of all state honours without delay: no honour of the state should remain in the hands of a man convicted of crimes of this nature.

"This is a moment for humility and for an unflinching commitment to survivors of abuse. No one is too powerful to be held to account."