SIMON DOHERTY FROM WELWYN GARDEN CITY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING YOUNG GIRLS
In a case that has shocked the community of Welwyn Garden City, Simon Doherty, a 66-year-old resident of Lincoln Close, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous sexual offences committed over nearly a decade.The crimes, which involved two young girls, include disturbing acts of sexual assault and attempted rape, leaving a lasting impact on the victims and their families.
The sentencing took place at St Albans Crown Court last Thursday, where Doherty was found guilty of 11 counts related to his abuse spanning from June 2005 to June 2014.
The charges included sexually assaulting a girl as young as six years old, with some acts involving penetration, and attempting to commit rape against a child under 13.
Additionally, Doherty was convicted of three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, highlighting the severity and depravity of his actions.
Judge John Plumstead, presiding over the case, condemned Doherty’s conduct as “vile” and expressed his disgust at the nature of the crimes.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the offences, the judge also took into account Doherty’s health condition when determining the sentence.
As part of the court’s ruling, a permanent restraining order was issued to prevent Doherty from contacting or approaching the victims or their families in the future.
Following the court proceedings, a family member of one of the victims shared their feelings with the WHT, stating, “I think justice has been served but he got off lightly with 12 years.
I think he’s a monster, a demon, a complete child predator that deserves to be behind bars, and now no little babies can be molested by him.” The family member expressed relief that the perpetrator would be incarcerated, describing the ordeal as the worst experience of their life.
They added, “It’s the worst thing I have ever been through in my life.
I don’t know what to say, it took a long time, 17-and-a-half months to be over.
I’m very happy with the court.” One of the young victims, who has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, spoke about the emotional toll the abuse has taken.
She revealed, “It was terrible.
I’m diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I used to hurt myself a lot, I tried to kill myself a few times.
I’m on depression medication and get a lot of support.” Despite her struggles, she expressed a sense of relief and pride in the outcome, saying, “I now see light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel really proud.
A weight has been lifted from me.
Obviously it has been hard but every second of it was worth it now that he can’t do it to anyone else.
A lot has happened but at the end of the day, it is worth it because he’s away now.” The case has brought to light the disturbing reality of child abuse within seemingly ordinary communities, prompting calls for vigilance and continued support for victims.
The court’s decision ensures that Simon Doherty will spend a significant period behind bars, preventing him from harming any more children in the future.
