Laura Docherty, aged 35, formerly of Glenrothes, Fife, was sentenced to an Order for Lifelong Restriction with a minimum term of six years’ imprisonment at the High Court in Edinburgh after being unanimously convicted of attempting to murder a two-year-old child.
The court heard that the offences took place between April 2021 and February 2023 at an address in Edinburgh, within a ward at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, and at other locations. Docherty repeatedly administered unprescribed adult medication, including antidepressants and painkillers, to the two-year-old girl.
The deliberate administration of drugs caused the young victim to suffer repeated seizures and episodes of reduced consciousness. The child required emergency resuscitation, hospital admission, placement on a mechanical ventilator, and was subjected to multiple invasive medical procedures. On one occasion, when the child was near death, Docherty used her mobile phone to record video footage of a paramedic performing emergency life-saving resuscitation.
Police Scotland launched an investigation following toxicology findings. Docherty denied the charge and stood trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, where a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict for attempted murder.
Appearing for sentence, Judge Michael O’Grady KC described Docherty’s actions as wicked and stated the offences were committed for attention and drama, noting that she showed no remorse or insight.
The court imposed an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR), requiring Docherty to serve a minimum term of six years in prison before she can be considered for release by the Scottish Parole Board.
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