A man convicted of firing a shotgun at a house in Glasgow has had his prison sentence increased from 40 months to 10 years after a successful appeal by the Crown.
David Docherty, 35, originally received the 40-month sentence in April 2024 following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
The Crown appealed the sentence, arguing for a longer custodial term due to the severity of the crimes. The Appeal Court, led by Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian, agreed and replaced the original sentence with a 10-year term.
Docherty was found guilty of culpably and recklessly discharging a shotgun at the window of a house in Glasgow and possessing a shotgun without a licence. He was also convicted of brandishing what appeared to be a handgun at a police officer, intending to make the officer believe violence would be used against him, and of attempting to pervert the course of justice by setting fire to a vehicle.
Deputy Crown Agent Kenny Donnelly commented on the decision, emphasizing the Crown Office’s commitment to improving the justice system for victims and ensuring sentencing reflects the harm caused by criminal offenses.
“Prosecutors have a duty to consider appeals when sentences appear unduly lenient,” Donnelly said, noting that while such appeals are rare, they play a vital role in ensuring justice is properly served.