The Isle of Man Constabulary has welcomed the guilty verdicts and sentence imposed against three men convicted of rape.
James Marcus Doherty, aged 42, Graham Skillicorn, aged 67, and Steven Cannon, aged 46, have been sentenced following the rape of an 18-year-old woman in Douglas in 2022.
Doherty has been sentenced to 16 years in prison, Skillicorn sentenced to 13 years and Cannon 11 years.
All have been placed on sex offenders register for an indefinite period and restraining order authorised preventing any future contact (directly or indirectly) toward the victim.
BBC reports that the men were previously found guilty of rape after a trial in 2024, but later had their convictions quashed leading to a second trial.
The Case
In the early hours of Saturday, June 25 2022, the victim attended an address in Douglas.
At the address she was subjected to serious sexual offending by the three men.
The case involved detailed victim and witness accounts, digital evidence and extensive investigative work over a prolonged period.
Following the incident, the victim disclosed what had happened to friends and family before the matter was reported to police.
Officers responded, secured evidence and progressed a thorough investigation, which ultimately led to Doherty, Skillicorn and Cannon being charged with rape.
Detective Inspector Nicholas Haxby said: “The victim in this case has shown remarkable courage throughout an extremely difficult investigation and court process. Reporting sexual offending and then giving evidence about deeply personal and traumatic matters takes significant strength.
“She has had to revisit what happened over a prolonged period, and the dignity and resilience she has shown should not be underestimated.”
Investigation
Detective Inspector Nicholas Haxby added: “I would also like to recognise the dedication of those who have supported this investigation and prosecution. Specialist officers from the Protecting Vulnerable People Investigation team (PVPI) worked with care and professionalism to progress the evidence, while staff from Victim Support Isle of Man provided important support to the victim.
“Members of the prosecution team at the Attorney General’s Chambers have worked tirelessly over recent years to ensure the evidence and case were presented to the best possible standard before the court, securing the convictions in this case.
“Cases involving rape and serious sexual offending are complex and distressing, and they are treated with the utmost seriousness by the Isle of Man Constabulary. It is hoped the verdicts and sentence imposed by the Court will provide some measure of justice and closure for the victim and send a clear message that anyone who commits an act of sexual violence will be held accountable for their actions.
“Anyone who has experienced any form of sexual offending, whether recently or in the past, is encouraged to speak to police or a support service. You will be listened to, supported and treated with respect.”