KEVIN DOCHERTY FROM BLANTYRE ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SECOND OFFENSE INVOLVING CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has once again brought attention to the dangers posed by repeat sex offenders, Kevin Docherty, aged 30, from Blantyre, narrowly avoided a prison sentence after being found in possession of indecent images of children for the second time. The incident took place at his residence on Buller Crescent, where authorities uncovered disturbing evidence during a routine check.

Docherty had previously been convicted of a similar offence, and at the time of this latest discovery, he was under community supervision. The case was heard at Hamilton Sheriff Court, where prosecutor Paula Russell detailed the circumstances surrounding the investigation. She explained that officers from the offenders management unit conducted a standard visit to Docherty’s home. During this visit, they examined his mobile device and initially found no suspicious content.

However, the officers inquired if Docherty possessed any other devices capable of internet access. To their surprise, he revealed that there was another phone hidden under his pillow, warning them, “You’re not going to like what’s on it.” Upon inspection, the officers discovered over 100 indecent images depicting boys aged between eight and 14 years old. The images were of a disturbing nature, highlighting the severity of Docherty’s offending.

Judge Ray Small presided over the case and acknowledged the potential risk Docherty posed to the community. While he noted that there was a “real prospect” of further offending, he also recognized that incarcerating Docherty would only serve as a temporary measure. The judge emphasized that Docherty would be subject to much closer scrutiny and control if he received another community order, which was deemed more appropriate in this situation.

As a result, Docherty was sentenced to a three-year supervision order and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for the same period. This decision aims to monitor his activities closely and prevent any future offences. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing individuals with a history of sexual offences, especially those involving minors, and highlights the importance of rigorous supervision to protect vulnerable members of the community.