CHRISTOPHER DOHERTY'S REIGN OF TERROR IN BELFAST AND LONDONDERRY: A LIFE OF CRIME AND REPRIEVE

In September 2013, Christopher Doherty, a convicted murderer and sex offender, was reported to be living freely in Belfast, raising serious concerns about public safety and the justice system. His criminal history is marked by heinous acts committed in Londonderry and subsequent legal battles that continue to unfold.

Back in May 2008, Doherty, infamously known as the 'Joker' among inmates at Maghaberry Prison, sought to challenge the decision-making process of the Life Sentence Review Commissioners (LSRC). He petitioned the High Court for a Judicial Review, arguing that the LSRC had failed to determine whether he was suitable for release. This legal move came after a long and troubling history of violent and sexual offenses.

Originally sentenced to life imprisonment in 1982 for the brutal murder of a pensioner in Londonderry, Doherty and an accomplice viciously assaulted Gerald Farren, a defenseless elderly man, before robbing him of £20. After serving 14 years, Doherty was released on licence, but his freedom was short-lived. Less than a year later, he was returned to incarceration following allegations made by two young girls, aged nine and 13, who accused him of serious sexual abuse.

The two girls provided videotaped statements detailing how Doherty had subjected them to severe sexual acts. Medical examinations corroborated their claims, revealing evidence of sexual abuse, including the presence of Doherty’s semen at the scenes of the alleged assaults. To shield the young victims from the trauma of testifying in court, prosecutors decided not to pursue criminal charges, but Doherty was returned to prison to serve the remainder of his life sentence.

In 2005, the LSRC initially decided that Doherty should not be released again, citing concerns about the risk he posed to society. However, this decision was later overturned by the Court of Appeal on a legal technicality. Lord Chief Justice Sir Brian Kerr ordered that a new LSRC panel re-examine Doherty’s case, which was scheduled to convene soon under the leadership of Judge Derek Rodgers. During this upcoming hearing, Doherty might attempt to subpoena one of the now adult women who had previously made allegations against him, seeking to have her testify and be cross-examined. The woman has previously expressed reluctance to revisit her traumatic experience in a court setting.

Meanwhile, Doherty took legal action last week in the High Court, seeking an order that would compel the LSRC to make an immediate decision regarding his release. However, Justice Gillen dismissed Doherty’s application for Judicial Review, emphasizing the potential danger to the public if the panel were to release him before thoroughly reviewing all evidence. The judge expressed concern about the possibility of Doherty re-offending if prematurely released.

Despite not being officially cleared for release, Doherty has enjoyed brief periods of temporary freedom. On one occasion, he was seen casually sitting in a Belfast city centre café, having a coffee with Ken Callaghan, another convicted sex offender who is also seeking to prevent the public from knowing his identity. Our reporter approached the pair during this encounter, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding their releases.

During the recent hearing, legal representatives for the LSRC drew parallels between Doherty’s case and that of Patrick Coleman, a child killer who was also granted temporary release but later committed a violent sexual assault while on parole. Coleman’s case underscores the ongoing debate about the risks associated with releasing dangerous offenders back into the community, especially when their safety assessments remain uncertain.