Woman jailed for trying to murder toddler by giving her adult medication
Laura Docherty has been sentenced to a minimum of six years in prison for attempting to murder a toddler by administering non-prescribed adult medication. The judge described her actions as wicked, noting that she committed the crime to seek attention and drama.
Why it matters
This case highlights the extreme dangers of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and the severe legal consequences for child abuse.
Image source, Alan Simpson Photography Image caption, Laura Docherty, formerly of Glenrothes, had denied attempting to murder the child
A woman who attempted to murder a toddler by repeatedly giving her adult medication has been jailed for a minimum of six years.
Laura Docherty, 35, formerly of Glenrothes, gave the girl antidepressant and painkilling drugs resulting in her needing to be resuscitated and placed on a ventilator.
A judge at the High Court in Edinburgh imposed an order for lifelong restriction and ordered that Docherty must serve a minimum of six years in jail before seeking parole.
Judge Michael O'Grady KC said: "The word 'wicked' is an old fashioned word, but there are times when no other word will suffice."
Docherty had denied attempting to murder the child during a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh in December, but was unanimously found guilty of the offence by a jury.
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