The DUP thread

[p3427977]

I thought you couldn't just appeal on a whim - you needed to show something incorrect that did, or something new has emerged that would, affect the outcome.

Going back in and shouting louder that its lies won't work. Its not an environment where DUP negotiation tactics will suffice.

Yeah I think that is true as well.

[David McKeown]

Surely that's an admission of guilt after the verdict went against him? Else he would appeal?

Am I correct in saying he can't appeal anything until he's been sentenced? Although, him surrendering his title would suggest to me he may only appeal the sentencing rather than the conviction.

No he has 28 days to appeal from Monday. That's to appeal the guilty verdict. After sentencing, as it's outside the 28 days, he can only appeal the actual sentence.

Well there's two schools of thought on this. I'm in this camp but I'm a lifelong holder of minority views. The COA unfortunately to prevent multiple applications will inevitably extend time. The common practice therefore is 28 days from sentence.

Ah didnt know it could be changed. Im just going by what a solicitor said on Talkback on Tuesday.

When I started nearly 20 years ago it was a much more strictly observed rule than it is. I'm old school in regards to it.

[David McKeown]

I thought you couldn't just appeal on a whim - you needed to show something incorrect that did, or something new has emerged that would, affect the outcome.

Going back in and shouting louder that its lies won't work. Its not an environment where DUP negotiation tactics will suffice.

Quite correct.

In order to appeal you need leave from a single judge. This is done in writing and on legal argument.

The test to be applied is effectively is the conviction safe. It's not simply were their errors in the trial process or would we have come to a different conclusion.

Any identified errors must have had a substantial impact on the safeness of the conviction.

Common grounds of appeal would include.

Misdirections or non-directions by the trial judge.

Incorrect legal rulings.

Material irregularities in the conduct of the trial

Failures of disclosure.

Improper admission or exclusion of evidence.

Jury irregularities.

Fresh evidence which undermines the verdict.

Abuse of process or serious misconduct by investigators or prosecutors.

If leave is granted a 3 judge panel will consider the issue via oral argument.

If leave is refused you can ask for an oral hearing in any event but you first have to demonstrate there's an arguable case with a reasonable prospect of success that the conviction is unsafe.

[David McKeown]

I meant to say earlier. The idea that Donaldson is in grey tracksuits or otherwise being treated as a sentenced prisoner are incorrect.

He is still a remand prisoner until he is sentenced. So he will have the right to his own clothes subject to safety issues (so no belts or ties etc) he will have rights to more phone calls and visits.  Also some benefits in respect
Of being out of his cell and tuck shop privileges

[seafoid]

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/dup-insiders-on-jeffrey-donaldsons-double-life-some-people-have-skeletons-in-the-cupboard-but-good-grief-this-is-on-a-different-level/a/157415221.html

Another DUP insider says: "Jeffrey was a shrewd, sophisticated liar. We are all horrified at what he did. It was a gross betrayal. The man's a fraud. His entire life was a lie: it was all for show. He was a very sinister person.
"I was never close to Jeffrey. I found him a detached individual. I'm actually surprised he left himself open with a written letter and messages which became evidence at the trial. I thought he was too crafty to leave a paper trail."

[DaleCooper]

"Detached"

Now thats something I have observed just from still photos. Like he isn't there or "all above it". Always smug and arrogant.

[weareros]

Not to take from the victim story. But what kind of amateur hour politics is it that Donaldson sent Bryson down to Dublin behind DUP's back to negotiate with EU ambassadors and reps from Irish government. And Bryson landed Nolan in it by saying he Nolan knew. How many more times can BBC ignore Nolan's lack of journalism ethics.
 

[marty34]

Not to take from the victim story. But what kind of amateur hour politics is it that Donaldson sent Bryson down to Dublin behind DUP's back to negotiate with EU ambassadors and reps from Irish government. And Bryson landed Nolan in it by saying he Nolan knew. How many more times can BBC ignore Nolan's lack of journalism ethics.
 

Nolan radio programme is a joke and no nationalist should be on that show.

[Hereiam]

The fact that Dublin reps gave this clown an audience is concerning.

[marty34]

Nolan runs unionism. At the centre of TUV and DUP policy making.


Re: Nolan Show. For all their faults, at least SF don't go on the show. SDLP and Chris Donnelly etc. need to do the same.

[Mourne Red]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1LPkzFHSVx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Article from the Bel Tel not behind a paywall. Excellent article

[johnnycool]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1LPkzFHSVx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Article from the Bel Tel not behind a paywall. Excellent article

"sex offenders can come from any walk of life". So too can prisoners

The first part is so very true, the second part less so, but it shouldn't be.

[David McKeown]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1LPkzFHSVx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Article from the Bel Tel not behind a paywall. Excellent article

Not sure id agree with all of that but there are some salient points about anonymity of the victims.

[seafoid]

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/ex-dup-minister-i-intend-to-show-that-donaldsons-entire-political-career-was-based-on-dishonesty-and-shocking-immorality/a/157770792.html

Former DUP minister Jim Wells has said Jeffrey Donaldson's entire political career was based on "falsehoods, dishonesty and shocking immorality".

[imtommygunn]

It's not just his political career though it's his entire life.