BRIAN DOCHERTY FROM CASTLE DOUGLAS AND DUMFRIES SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a harrowing case that spans several decades, Brian Docherty, a 73-year-old man from Dumfries, has been convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse committed in and around Castle Douglas and Dumfries. The court heard that Docherty, who has been classified as a high-risk sex offender, began his pattern of abuse in the early 1970s, targeting vulnerable children while entrusted with babysitting responsibilities at various homes in the region.

One of his earliest victims was a young girl aged six when the abuse started in September 1970 at a residence in Castle Douglas. The assault continued over a period of two years, leaving lasting scars. Over the years, Docherty continued to prey on other children, including a second victim between October 1980 and October 1983, when she was aged five to seven. It was only in 1998 that she confided in her family about the abuse, leading her to report the matter to the police. However, at that time, authorities found insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.

Docherty’s third known victim was a girl aged six when he assaulted her between February and August 1986. During this period, Docherty was referred to a psychologist and willingly underwent treatment for his sexual misconduct. He expressed remorse and claimed he wanted help, stating that he was ashamed of his actions and would have been disgusted if anyone else had committed similar offenses. Despite this, he quickly resumed abusing young children, often isolating them from their families and friends to facilitate his crimes.

The most recent victim was a girl aged between three and nine, with the abuse occurring from April 2010 to April 2018. During this time, Docherty looked after her and sexually abused her multiple times. After her disclosure in 2018, police launched an investigation, which led to charges being brought against him. Docherty did not deny the allegations and made no comment during police interviews.

At the sentencing hearing held at Livingston’s High Court, Lady Rae emphasized the gravity of Docherty’s offenses. She highlighted that the abuse involved four children over a prolonged period, with most of the victims being neighbors and friends of Docherty’s own children. The court noted that his offending began in the 1970s and persisted until 2018, with all victims being under the age of 12 at the time of abuse. The youngest victim was only three or four years old when the abuse started, and the oldest was six or seven during the initial incidents.

Lady Rae pointed out that despite Docherty’s age, he was assessed as presenting a “high risk” of reoffending sexually. The only mitigating factor was his acceptance of guilt, which spared the victims from reliving their trauma in court. The judge acknowledged the profound and lifelong impact such abuse has on victims, many of whom are now adults in their 40s and 50s, still affected by the memories of their suffering. She stated, “It’s not something you can forget,” underscoring the enduring damage caused.

In light of the severity of his crimes, Docherty was sentenced to a term of seven years and ten months in prison. Additionally, he will be subject to close supervision for two years following his release. His name will also be permanently registered on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of his offenses and the need to protect the community from further harm.