Stephen Patrick Doherty, a 29-year-old resident of Lisnafin Park, Strabane, was found guilty of an “appalling and disgraceful” fraudulent offence. Doherty admitted to claiming he was suffering from three distinct types of cancer and had profited from a GoFundMe page. Doherty, who faced charges of fraud through false representation between January 7, 2022, and June 20, 2023, received his sentence at the Derry Magistrate’s Court.
Doherty relinquished himself to the police, confessing his deceit. The GoFundMe page that was created by an unwitting friend had accumulated £3,280, which Doherty misused on purchasing a dog and travelling to football matches in Liverpool. Doherty decided to confess after rumours of his fraudulent activities circulated in the community, and he wanted to shield the lady who innocently organised the fundraising page from any blame.
The woman behind the creation of the GoFundMe page felt scandalised and deceived, severing all contact with Doherty. The prosecution emphasised that Doherty was fully aware he was not suffering from cancer at the time the page was launched.
Doherty’s defence lawyer, Stephen Mooney, contended that the crime was extremely serious, with potential for immediate imprisonment. Doherty expressed remorse, stating he turned himself over to law enforcement voluntarily.
The defence also expressed that Doherty has been under negative media scrutiny due to his actions. Deputy District Judge Alan White acknowledged that the court’s options were restricted, qualifying that imprisonment would only be short-lived.
Judge White imposed a comprehensive penalty, including 18 months of probation and 100 hours of community service. Furthermore, Doherty was ordered to remunerate £250 to the lady who initiated the GoFundMe page and £400 to the Foyle Hospice as compensation.