JOHN DOHERTY FROM PAISLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN GLASGOW
In February 2017, a disturbing case involving John Doherty, a resident of Paisley, came to light when he was sentenced to 22 months in prison for possessing and sharing a significant number of indecent images of children.The charges stemmed from an investigation that uncovered Doherty’s involvement in the distribution of highly graphic and illegal material through digital platforms.
According to reports from Glasgow Live, Doherty, aged 35, pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to multiple counts of possessing and sharing indecent images and videos of minors.
Among the images found on his device, 74 were classified under Category A, indicating the most severe and disturbing content available online.
The court was informed that Doherty had downloaded a total of 213 unique images, along with a video that was described as too graphic to detail publicly.
The investigation was initiated when police officers from Police Scotland’s cyber crime unit executed a warrant at Doherty’s residence on London Road, Paisley, at 7:44 am on March 23, 2016.
During the search, authorities seized his mobile phone and discovered a collection of illicit material.
In addition to the Category A images, officers found 65 still images and 14 moving images classified under Category B, which also contains illegal content but is considered less severe than Category A.
Further examination revealed 13 still images categorized as Category C.
Following his arrest, Doherty was detained at London Road police station.
His defense lawyer, Greg Smith, highlighted that Doherty had voluntarily sought help by self-referring to the Stop It Now (SIN) project in November of the previous year.
Smith requested the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, emphasizing that the crimes occurred between March 16 and 26, 2016.
However, Sheriff Alan MacKenzie, acknowledging the gravity of the offenses, stated that a custodial sentence was the only appropriate response.
He expressed concern about public safety and the need to protect the community from potential harm upon Doherty’s release.
The sheriff sentenced Doherty to a total of 37 months for two separate charges, but since the sentences are to run concurrently, Doherty will serve 22 months in prison.
Additionally, he will be subject to 15 months of supervised release after his incarceration and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Restrictions will also prevent him from working with children once he is released.
In a related case from January 2017, Doherty was also identified as a paedophile who shared extreme child abuse images via Kik Messenger.
During that incident, he was found to possess and distribute highly disturbing images, including one depicting an adult molesting a six-month-old child.
The police investigation revealed that Doherty shared these images with 56 other users, further illustrating the extent of his involvement in illegal activities.
The authorities seized his mobile device and uncovered a total of 213 images, with 74 still and 47 moving images under Category A, alongside other illicit material classified under Categories B and C.
Despite the severity of the charges, Doherty’s defense requested bail, citing his status as a first-time offender.
Sheriff Alan MacKenzie granted the request but also issued a warning that Doherty would be subject to the notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Act.
The case was adjourned for sentencing scheduled for the following month, during which Doherty’s full penalties and restrictions will be finalized.
