A CLYDEBANK man was so convinced he’d been stabbed he reported the assault to police – even though he knew he’d scratched himself.


Police were called at 11.49pm on July 6, 2014 to the Westhills Hotel after reports of the serious assault.


When the two constables arrived, they found Jamie Docherty lying on a sofa, holding his stomach and wearing a white t-shirt. He had a cut to his cheek and scratches to his abdomen. There were no puncture wounds.


But Docherty, formerly of Glasgow Road, Hardgate, and now of Bishopbriggs, insisted he had been stabbed and robbed of his money. He seemed to be unsteady on his feet and said he had smoked cannabis before police arrived, but had not been drinking.


While Docherty was taken to the Western Infirmary and treated for minor scratches while clearly intoxicated, officers investigated his “assault”.


Describing what happened, Depute fiscal Jeanette Maclean told Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week: “Police reviewed CCTV at the hotel. It showed the accused at 11.35pm to enter his room, wearing a green top. He was in his room for about 25 minutes and then he emerged wearing a white t-shirt and then made his way down to reception and asked for police to be called.
“CCTV showed no other person entering or leaving his room.


“Police confronted him with this information at hospital and he reacted angrily. He was not cautioned or charged due to his agitated state.”


Docherty’s defence solicitor admitted her client had lied to police about his “self-inflicted injuries”, but that he has “fluctuations” with his mental health.


She explained Docherty, now 21, had a chaotic upbringing, one so serious he had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from his childhood.


Currently serving a jail sentence for another matter from Glasgow Sheriff Court, he won’t be released until May and his lawyer said he will need help after his release.


She added: “He is looking the best I have seen him. But I’m concerned he will regard being institutionalised as better for him than being in the community. I don’t think the criminal justice system should give up on him.”


Sheriff Simon Fraser ordered fresh reports to be prepared before Docherty’s release in May when he will consider the proper sentence.