Jail for man who sexually abused two children

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

A Douglas man has been jailed for 11 years after being found guilty of sexually abusing two children.

William Alfred Graham Duggan, of Sumark Croft, was sentenced at Douglas Courthouse today (4 September).

The 35-year-old was convicted of 14 offences – five of gross indecency and nine of indecent assault - after trial, at the Court of General Gaol Delivery, in July.

The court heard Duggan’s offending spanned a 13-year-period and involved two complainants – who can’t be identified for legal reasons – who were under the age of 16.

“I wanted my life to end because I couldn’t stop thinking about what he had done.” – Victim

Victim impact statements from both were read to the court during sentencing.

One described Duggan as ‘twisted’ saying: “William took my childhood away. It’s hard to put into words what he has done to me.”

The other told the court they’d been ‘manipulated’ for Duggan’s own ‘perverted sick desires’ adding it had caused a ‘horrific impact’ on their life.

“There were some times I just wanted to die,” the victim wrote before adding they felt they’d had a ‘dark grey cloud’ looming over their life since the offending.

“He isn’t sorry at all. I’m just thankful the jury saw through his lies,” the complainant added.

Both victims told the court they’d struggled with their mental health and considered suicide as a result of their trauma.

“Whatever the sentence, it will never be enough.” – Victim

Sentencing Duggan Deemster Graeme Cook said he’d found the evidence of the complainants in the case ‘compelling’ adding it was clear that his actions had caused ‘serious psychological damage’.

Describing his offending as a ‘catalogue of abuse’, over multiple occasions, the deemster added it was clear Duggan did not accept his guilt.

Sending Duggan to prison he told him: “You, and only you, are the liar.”

Duggan will remain on the Sex Offenders Register, and be the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, until further notice.

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.