David Brian Dougherty (29 March 1967 – 20 April 2017) was a New Zealander who was wrongfully convicted in 1993 on charges of

abduction Abduction may refer to: Media Film and television * "Abduction" (''The Outer Limits''), a 2001 television episode * " Abduction" (''Death Note'') a Japanese animation television series * " Abductions" (''Totally Spies!''), a 2002 episode of an ...

and the rape of an 11-year-old girl. In 1997, when new DNA evidence ruled him out of the charge, Dougherty was acquitted after serving over three years in prison. He received a public apology in 2001 along with $868,728 in compensation. In 2003, the real offender, Nicholas Reekie, was found guilty and convicted of the crime. Dougherty's case was the subject of the 2008 New Zealand telemovie ''Until Proven Innocent'' which documents the miscarriage of justice that had Dougherty imprisoned. In November 2010, Dougherty pleaded guilty to a

burglary Burglary, also called breaking and entering and sometimes housebreaking, is the act of entering a building or other areas without permission, with the intention of committing a criminal offence. Usually that offence is theft, robbery or murder ...

charge. He admitted going to a Palmerston North property in October that year to collect money he was owed. He smashed open a ranch slider door and stole beer and DVDs before being caught by the home owner. He claimed he did not realise the previous owner had moved. Dougherty was meant to face court on theft and burglary charges in May 2011, but instead was arrested shortly before his case was called and sentencing did not go ahead. He was ordered by the court to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment. On 7 July 2011 Dougherty was sentenced to 300 hours of

community work Community service is unpaid work performed by a person or group of people for the benefit and betterment of their community without any form of compensation. Community service can be distinct from volunteering, since it is not always performed ...

and nine months of supervision. Dougherty died on 20 April 2017, not long after his 50th birthday, after a long illness.

References

1967 births 2017 deaths New Zealand prisoners and detainees Overturned convictions in New Zealand People wrongfully convicted of rape {{NewZealand-crime-bio-stub

See also

References