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MICHAEL DOCHERTY FROM EAST KILBRIDE SENTENCED FOR ONLINE SEX OFFENCES
In June 2021, an East Kilbride man named Michael Docherty was sentenced after being caught by paedophile hunters. Docherty, 29, was placed on the sex offenders’ register for three years following his conviction.He had believed he was engaging in online chats about sex with a 13-year-old boy but was actually communicating with a group called Phoenix Guardians of the Innocents, who set up the sting. They then notified the organisation Maximum Exposure, which, along with vigilantes, confronted Docherty at his home on Burnbrae Crescent before alerting authorities.
During the court hearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Docherty admitted to engaging in indecent communication with someone he thought was a minor between May 17 and June 30 of the previous year. He also admitted to sending an indecent photograph.
Prosecutor Jennifer Cunningham explained that a paedophile hunting group created a fake online profile using the name 'Ben,' claiming to be from Blackpool. Docherty contacted this profile via the ‘Meet Me’ dating platform, and the two began frequent online conversations. Despite being told multiple times that 'Ben' was only 13 and much younger, Docherty insisted it was not an issue and urged the 'boy' to trust him.
The chats eventually turned sexual, with Docherty discussing plans to meet 'Ben' in a hotel. He stated: 'Maybe you should be here with me, keeping me warm and hugging me. I love hugging guys – anything can happen.' His messages grew more explicit, mentioning entertaining the 'boy' and having sex. He also sent a picture of a penis, claiming it was his.
On June 30, vigilantes confronted Docherty at his residence, livestreaming the incident on Facebook. Subsequently, police executed a search warrant, encountering Docherty’s male partner. Devices were seized, and WhatsApp chats with 'Ben' were recovered.
Although Docherty has no prior convictions, solicitor Tom Watters highlighted that his client has since engaged in 'intensive voluntary therapy' after the offences came to light. Mr. Watters added that Docherty accepted responsibility early on and had taken steps to address his issues.
Ultimately, at the hearing, Docherty was sentenced to a three-year supervision order in lieu of prison time.
