Glenrothes woman jailed after trying to murder child with medication
Last updated 4 hours ago
A Glenrothes woman who repeatedly gave a child medication that had not been prescribed for them has been jailed for at least six years for attempted murder.
Laura Docherty, 35, was handed an order of lifelong restriction at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday.
Docherty repeatedly administered medication to the child over a year between 2022 and 2023. None of the drugs had been prescribed for the child and they were not suitable for children.
The child suffered bouts of sickness and was admitted to hospital on a number of occasions as a result.
Concerns were raised by medical staff in February 2023, prompting a police investigation.
Docherty was arrested and charged with attempted murder in May that year and was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh in December 2025.
She has now been sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction, with a minimum prison term of six years.
Detective Constable Gemma Warriner said: “This was prolonged and abhorrent abuse of a young child which resulted in numerous stays in hospital.
“Throughout the investigation, Docherty took no responsibility for her actions and repeatedly blamed others.
“Cases where children are subjected to harm can often be difficult to deal with, however, we are committed to investigating such incidents fully and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
“I hope today’s sentence brings some comfort to the family.”
Police Scotland urged anyone with concerns about the safety or welfare of a child to contact police or relevant partner agencies.