Praise for rape victim's 'remarkable courage' after attackers are jailed for second time

Jury finds three men guilty after retrial

*A warning that this story contains information which readers may find distressing.

Police have praised the ‘remarkable courage’ shown by a rape victim on the Isle of Man who has seen her attackers jailed for a second time.

James Marcus Doherty, Graham Skillicorn and Steven Cannon were found guilty of the offence at Douglas Courthouse following a retrial.

They’ve been jailed for a combined total of 40 years.

The woman – who was 18-years-old at the time - was attacked by the three men at a property in Anagh Coar in the early hours of 25 June 2022.

Doherty, Skillicorn and Cannon were convicted after trial in 2024 but their convictions were quashed and a retrial ordered which started on 27 July.

You can find out more HERE.

Doherty was sentenced to 16-years, Cannon 13-years and Skillicorn 11 years; all three men have been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for an indefinite period.

'Deeply personal and traumatic'

The Isle of Man Constabulary says the case involved ‘extensive investigative work over a prolonged period’.

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.

“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 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.”

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support HERE.