ALEXANDER DOIG SENTENCED IN ABERFELDY FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES COMMITTED NEARLY 30 YEARS AGO

In a significant legal development, Alexander Doig, a 61-year-old man from Blairgowrie, has been formally sentenced for the sexual abuse of two young girls, crimes that took place almost three decades ago. The case, which only reached court in 2024, sheds light on a disturbing chapter from the summer of 1995, when the offenses occurred. Despite being reported to authorities in the 1990s, the case was delayed for many years before finally being prosecuted.

During the proceedings, the court heard that Doig, who resides at Walnut Grove in Blairgowrie, had previously been convicted at Dundee Sheriff Court on charges related to lewd, indecent, and libidinous conduct. His criminal history includes a conviction stemming from his employment at his family’s clothing store located in Highland Perthshire. The court revealed that Doig engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct that has left deep emotional scars on his victims. Although he was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of five years, he narrowly avoided imprisonment in the recent sentencing.

The jury established that between May and September of 1995, Doig committed multiple offenses at his shop, R Doig and Sons, situated on Bank Street in Aberfeldy. The first victim, a 15-year-old girl, was subjected to a series of disturbing acts, including exposure of his genitals, attempts to coerce her into performing a sexual act, making lewd comments, and requesting her to wear specific clothing. The court also heard that Doig exposed himself to her, showed her a pornographic video, and inappropriately touched her. The second victim, only 13 at the time, experienced similar misconduct, which involved sexual comments, exposure, and the presentation of a pornographic video. Due to legal restrictions, both victims cannot be named publicly.

Sentencing was postponed to allow for the preparation of background reports. Ultimately, Doig was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid community service and was registered as a sex offender for five years. Sheriff Timothy Niven-Smith initially considered imposing an 18-month prison sentence but decided against it after reviewing the case’s procedural history and the significant emotional and psychological impact on the victims. The victims provided statements describing the lasting trauma caused by Doig’s actions.

The sheriff acknowledged Doig’s age and his trusted position within the Aberfeldy community, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the harm inflicted. However, he also noted that Doig is considered a low risk of reoffending. The judge highlighted that, despite Doig’s respectable life efforts and standing, the gravity of the offenses and the victims’ testimonies underscored the enduring effects of his misconduct. The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting consequences of such crimes, even when they are revealed many years after they were committed.