JAMES DOCHERTY FROM CORSHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRL

In March 2011, a man from Corsham named James Docherty was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage girl. The disturbing case revealed that Docherty, aged 60 at the time, engaged in a series of inappropriate and criminal acts involving a young girl who was between 14 and 15 years old.

According to court reports, Docherty lured the girl into his flat, where he subjected her to a pattern of grooming behavior. The girl, who was a teenager at the time, would visit Docherty after school, as they lived in close proximity—she was a local resident and he was a family friend. During these visits, Docherty would manipulate her into performing a dance for him, which involved stripping down to her underwear. This disturbing request was part of his grooming process, gradually escalating the inappropriate nature of their interactions.

The court heard that the abuse culminated in Docherty having unprotected sex with the girl on two separate occasions, both times on his sofa, during consecutive weeks. These acts occurred when the girl was still under the age of consent, specifically in 2003 or 2004, when Docherty was approximately 54 years old. Despite the gravity of the offenses, Docherty initially pleaded not guilty, only admitting to two charges of sexual activity with a child just before the jury was sworn in for the trial.

During the proceedings, the prosecution emphasized the element of grooming involved in the case. Judge Euan Ambrose, presiding at Swindon Crown Court, described the case as involving repeated behavior in Docherty’s flat, which indicated a pattern of predatory conduct. The judge noted that the offenses took place before the girl turned 16, highlighting the serious breach of trust and the exploitation involved.

Docherty’s defense argued that he was suffering from alcoholism, agoraphobia, and nerves, conditions he claimed were linked to his military service in Northern Ireland. His lawyer, Stephen Mooney, requested leniency, acknowledging the difficulties Docherty faced but emphasizing that he was aware of the impending jail sentence.

However, Judge Ambrose was unequivocal in his judgment. He stated that the pre-sentence report was troubling, revealing that Docherty had initially denied the offenses and was described as bitter and angry about his situation. The report also indicated that Docherty’s friends and family believed he was innocent, a claim the judge dismissed, affirming that Docherty was guilty of the crimes.

Furthermore, the judge highlighted Docherty’s concerns about the impact of his actions on his family and reputation, but underscored that these feelings did not diminish the severity of his misconduct or the harm caused to the young girl. As part of his sentence, Docherty was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was placed on a list that prevents him from working with children in the future. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the offenses and the need for ongoing monitoring of individuals convicted of such crimes.