ANDREW DOCHERTY FROM ST ANDREWS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN FIFE AND EDINBURGH

An assistant store manager named Andrew Docherty, aged 28, has been sentenced to a three-year community payback order after being found guilty of sexually assaulting five female colleagues. The incidents took place at various branches of the retail chain Home Bargains located across Fife, with Docherty targeting women over a span of several years.

According to court proceedings, Docherty's misconduct extended beyond the assaults. Between 2007 and 2015, he also instilled fear and anxiety in two other women through his actions. One notable incident occurred while he was employed at Morrisons supermarket, where he followed a 26-year-old female employee around the store and subsequently prevented her from leaving, creating a distressing situation.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard detailed accounts of Docherty’s inappropriate behavior. On another occasion, while working at Home Bargains, he made derogatory remarks towards a woman, which left her feeling alarmed and unsettled. These incidents contributed to the court’s decision to impose strict supervision and community service requirements.

Lord Malcolm, presiding over the case, emphasized the seriousness of Docherty’s offenses. As part of his sentence, Docherty is required to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work and will be under supervision for a period of three years. Additionally, he must attend a specialized course designed to educate sex offenders about their behaviors and the impact of their actions.

Following a trial at the High Court last month, jurors returned guilty verdicts on multiple charges of sexual assault. The court’s ruling underscores the gravity of Docherty’s misconduct and the ongoing efforts to address such offenses within the community.