Father Daniel Doherty, a former priest at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Falkirk, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for sexually assaulting a man on a train. The 61-year-old was caught by passengers touching the victim, who had passed out from drinking, and claimed he was “affirming” him.

Doherty admitted to three charges of sexual assault at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court. Passengers reported the incident, prompting train staff to question Doherty, who claimed the two were “just friends,” though staff noticed his trousers were undone. The victim later reported to police that he had woken up several times during the assault. Doherty, who left the priesthood following the allegations, was placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, with the Archdiocese offering a “profound apology” to the victim.