JAMES DOCHERTY'S SHOCKING SEX ABUSE AND GUN POSSESSION IN MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Manchester community, James Docherty, a 37-year-old man from the city, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for heinous acts of sexual abuse and firearm possession. The Manchester Crown Court handed down the 10-year sentence after Docherty pleaded guilty to six counts of engaging in sexual activities with a minor, specifically a 13-year-old girl, along with charges related to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to police reports, the abuse began in 2006 and persisted for approximately three years. The victim, whose age was only 13 at the time, was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Docherty, who manipulated her into a relationship that was both illegal and deeply damaging. The case came to light in 2009 when authorities were alerted to the situation, prompting a police investigation.

During a raid on Docherty’s residence in Manchester, officers uncovered more than just evidence of abuse. They found a firearm and a quantity of ammunition, which Docherty was known to carry concealed in the belt of his trousers. Police confirmed that Docherty, who was classified as having no fixed abode, was known to carry the gun around in public, using it as a tool of intimidation.

Detective Constable Louise Howarth, from West Didsbury CID, provided insight into Docherty’s character and the nature of his crimes. She described him as a bully who exploited a vulnerable young girl, coercing her into a sexual relationship and repeatedly assaulting her. She emphasized that Docherty’s actions were driven by jealousy and a desire to keep his crimes secret, which only added to the cruelty of his behavior.

“Docherty is a bully. He manipulated a very young girl into having a sexual relationship and repeatedly sexually assaulted her, attacking her when he got jealous and forcing her to keep everything a secret,” she stated. “Such actions can only be described as cowardly.”

She further explained that Docherty’s possession of a firearm was a significant element of his intimidation tactics. Although there was no evidence to suggest he ever fired the gun, the mere presence of the weapon and the threat of its use created an environment of fear among those around him. The police and community members alike were genuinely frightened by the potential danger posed by Docherty’s weaponry, which he carried with apparent ease and a disregard for public safety.