PATRICK DORAN FROM BELFAST AND LURGAN JAILED FOR REFUSING REHAB PROGRAMME

In April 2021, a 74-year-old man named Patrick Dermot Doran, originally from Lurgan and currently residing in Belfast under probation supervision, was sentenced to additional imprisonment after refusing to participate in a court-ordered rehabilitation programme.

Judge Donna McColgan QC of Craigavon Crown Court offered Doran a final opportunity to engage with the Horizon Programme, a specialized initiative designed to reduce the likelihood of re-offending among sex offenders. This offer was extended even on a one-to-one basis, acknowledging Doran’s previous reluctance to participate in group therapy sessions. Despite the court’s efforts, Doran declined the chance, citing dissatisfaction with living in Belfast and a desire to return to County Armagh. He also expressed objections to participating in the programme alongside others, which he found uncomfortable.

During the proceedings, Doran’s legal representative, Defence Counsel Joel Lindsay, expressed gratitude to the judge for providing the opportunity for his client to re-engage with rehabilitation efforts. Lindsay noted that Doran’s reluctance to participate had been a consistent issue, referencing his prior incarceration in 2017 for multiple historic indecent assaults on a male victim.

Furthermore, a probation officer explained that Doran had explicitly stated in December that he was not willing to engage in any organized rehabilitation programme, even if it was tailored for individual sessions rather than group therapy. This stance was consistent with his previous refusals to cooperate with probation efforts.

Initially, Doran appeared to accept the court’s offer, especially after his legal team agreed to assist in finding suitable accommodation outside Belfast. However, upon learning that the programme would last more than 20 weeks, Doran requested to be re-sentenced, indicating his unwillingness to commit to such a lengthy process.

Judge McColgan emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and expressed her willingness to give Doran one last chance to cooperate with probation. She stated that his refusal to participate left her with no alternative but to impose further custodial measures. Consequently, Doran was sentenced to serve an additional 18 months in prison, effectively returning him to incarceration to serve out his sentence.