PHILIP DOUGHTY CAUGHT IN HUNTINGTON SEX OFFENDER SCANDAL AFTER TEENAGE GIRLS RAISE ALARM

In December 2014, a serious case of online misconduct came to light involving Philip Doughty, a 60-year-old man from Huntington, who was found to have been engaging in inappropriate and sexual communications with two teenage girls through social media platforms. The incident was brought to the attention of authorities after the young victims, alarmed by his behavior, reported his actions to the police, leading to his subsequent arrest and court proceedings at York Crown Court.

Prosecutor John Gregg outlined that Doughty had attempted to initiate contact with both girls via Facebook, a popular social networking site. The younger girl, aged just 15, recognized the potentially harmful nature of his messages and chose to reject his advances, refusing to engage further. Conversely, the older girl, aged 17, was approached in a similar manner, but she became concerned enough to alert the authorities, prompting an investigation into Doughty’s online activities.

During the court hearing, Recorder Jamie Hill QC expressed his disapproval of Doughty’s actions, stating, “I don’t know how far your behaviour might have gone if the 15-year-old girl hadn’t been so sensible and stopped engaging with you when she realised something was amiss. How richly you deserve to go to prison.” Despite the gravity of the case, Doughty was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, his six-month jail term was suspended for two years, contingent upon his participation in a sex offender treatment program and his compliance with other court orders.

As part of his sentence, Doughty will be under supervision by the probation service for two years. He is also required to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years, during which he will be monitored by police authorities. Additionally, he is subject to a sexual offences prevention order that restricts his internet usage and contact with minors for five years.

Doughty, who resides on Victoria Way in Huntington, pleaded guilty to charges of inciting the 15-year-old girl to perform a sexual act. His defense attorney, Julian Tanikal, acknowledged that Doughty recognized the wrongfulness of his actions. The court heard that at the time of the offenses, Doughty was experiencing financial difficulties, with the benefits agency threatening to cease his benefits. He was also reportedly drinking heavily, which may have contributed to his behavior. His wife, who is disabled, relies on him as her primary carer, and the court was told that imprisonment could significantly impact her well-being.

According to court records, Doughty initiated contact with both girls through Facebook, sending friend requests. His communication with the younger girl began on December 12. By January 3, he was asking about her activities and who she was with. When she responded that she was watching television with her father, he did not reply. However, on January 10, after she told him she was alone, he resumed contact and started sending sexual messages. The girl eventually stopped replying, and on January 17, she declined his invitation to a private chat. Following this, Doughty shifted his focus to the older girl, continuing his inappropriate online behavior.