Toddler Drug Poisoning
Laura Docherty Sentenced to Life for Abusing Toddler with Unprescribed Medications for Attention
Key Points
The medications administered to the toddler were not prescribed for her, indicating they were given off-label or inappropriately dosed for a child.
The abuse occurred between April 2021 and February 2023 at a flat in Edinburgh and also involved a ward at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, using Amitriptyline, Propranolol and Dihydrocodeine.
Durante the trial, Docherty posted TikTok clips with captions such as '#makemefamous' and '#court #screwedup', including lip-syncing to well-known songs, which prosecutors argued demonstrated a lack of remorse.
The sentencing judge described Docherty as dishonest, manipulative and cunning, noting the crime was done for attention and drama, and that release would be a matter for the Scottish parole board if ever granted.
A Scottish woman has been sentenced to life in prison for trying to murder a toddler by secretly giving her adult medications. Laura Docherty, 35, from Glenrothes, received an Order for Lifelong Restriction with a minimum six-year term before she can apply for parole, Daily Mail reported.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Docherty repeatedly dosed the child with Amitriptyline, Propranolol, and Dihydrocodeine — none of them prescribed for the girl — between April 2021 and February 2023. The drugs caused seizures, reduced consciousness, and left the toddler needing resuscitation and a ventilator, according to Daily Mail.
Adult Drugs Given to a Toddler Over Two Years
The abuse happened at a flat in Edinburgh and also inside a ward at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, according to Dunfermline Press. Docherty gave the child three different adult medications. Amitriptyline is an antidepressant. Propranolol treats heart conditions. Dihydrocodeine is a strong painkiller. None were prescribed for the child.
The repeated poisonings sent the toddler to hospital multiple times. Medical staff ran unnecessary tests and procedures because they did not know Docherty was causing the illness. The child was twice put on a ventilator to keep her breathing, Daily Mail reported.
Judge: Crime Was Done 'For Attention and Drama'
The sentencing judge described Docherty as "dishonest, manipulative and cunning." The court found she poisoned the child not out of anger, but to generate sympathy and attention for herself. The judge called the crime "utterly reckless and breathtakingly wicked," according to Daily Mail.
Docherty denied all charges. A jury found her guilty. The Order for Lifelong Restriction means she could stay in prison far beyond the six-year minimum. Any release will be decided by the Scottish Parole Board, Hello Rayo reported.
TikTok Posts During Trial Showed 'No Remorse'
While her trial was under way, Docherty posted videos on TikTok. One clip used the caption '#makemefamous'. Another read '#court #screwedup'. She lip-synced to popular songs in the videos. Prosecutors told the court the posts showed a complete lack of remorse, according to Daily Mail.
The posts drew widespread attention to the case. Prosecutors argued they showed Docherty still sought attention and drama even as she faced the most serious criminal charges, Dunfermline Press reported.
Life Sentence Means Parole Board Controls Release
An Order for Lifelong Restriction is one of the most serious sentences a Scottish court can impose. It is reserved for offenders who pose a long-term risk to the public. Docherty must serve at least six years before she can ask the Parole Board to consider her release, Hello Rayo reported.
The Parole Board can keep her in custody for as long as it judges her to be a danger. There is no fixed end date to the sentence. Authorities said the priority throughout was protecting the child and public safety, according to Dunfermline Press.
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