18 months’ probation for menace of law firm

Feb 21 2008

A STALKER who “blatantly ignored” a non-harassment order by threatening and intimidating staff of a Lanarkshire law firm was put on probation this week for 18 months.

Last month Martin Docherty (38) of Campbell Street, Hamilton, had admitted breaching the non-harassment order by repeatedly phoning and texting employees of Motherwell solicitors, Bruce McCormack, between May and November 2007.

He also pleaded guilty to shouting, swearing and threatening lawyers and their staff, and was remanded in custody.

Police had been called in for a second time when Docherty threatened to slit the throat of a female member of staff.

The non-harassment order was imposed in August 2005, when Docherty admitted a breach of the peace.

However, despite the order he continued to pester staff at the Merry Street firm’s office.

One court insider had described Docherty as an “obsessive stalker” and a “coward.” He also stressed that Docherty’s actions were not comparable to a client who was unhappy with work carried out by their lawyers.

“There was contact with Docherty a number of years back, but this is not a case of a disgruntled client having a go at his solicitors.

“This has been going on for six years, and there have been thousands of phone calls and text messages, including calls to mobile numbers at night.

“Docherty also hangs about outside the firm’s offices.” He said Bruce McCormack staff had decided that it had to act when Docherty threatened to slit the female member of staff’s throat.

“He has blatantly ignored the court’s non-harassment order with his incessant calls and deserves all the punishment he gets.”

Docherty has a long criminal record and previous convictions include assault, housebreaking and breach of the peace.

On Monday at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Sheriff Bryan Adair sentenced him to 18 months’ probation on condition that he attend alcohol counselling.