Relatives of Donna-Lee Donaldson have welcomed the life sentence handed down to her boyfriend, Constable Noel Maitland.
The former policeman was sentenced for Donaldson’s murder in the Home Circuit Division of the Supreme Court this afternoon.
Georgetta Williams was following the court proceedings and filed this report:
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Read the report below:
Donaldson, a social media influencer, was reported missing in July 2022 at age 24, and presumed dead by investigators.
On January 22, this year, Maitland was found guilty of her murder and preventing the lawful burial of her corpse.
He will be eligible for parole after serving 32 years and four months in prison.
After the sentence was handed down, Donaldson’s mother, Sophia Lugg, walked out of the courthouse, held her hand to the sky and said, “showers of blessings.”
It had started to rain shortly after Justice Leighton Pusey sentenced Maitland.
Ms. Lugg said that while she is satisfied with the sentence, she was hoping Maitland would have revealed what really happened to her daughter.
Meanwhile, Donaldson’s grandmother said she forgives Maitland and that she will always keep him in her prayers.
In the meantime, Maitland’s attorney, Christopher Townsend, said that while the battle has been lost, the war continues, an indication that there could be an appeal.
Speaking to reporters following the sentencing, Mr. Townsend said Maitland maintains his innocence.
