INNOCENT-LOOKING INGLSBY MAN IAN FERGUSON CAUGHT TRYING TO MEET TEEN FOR SEX IN TEESSIDE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ingleby Barwick and the surrounding Teesside area, Ian Ferguson, a 69-year-old man, was found to have engaged in illicit online conversations with an undercover officer posing as a teenage boy. The incident unfolded on May 13 when Ferguson initiated contact via the gay chat platform FabGuys, a site often used for adult interactions. During their initial exchanges, Ferguson was told by the officer that he was an 18-year-old man, to which Ferguson responded that he was willing to pay for sexual services, indicating a clear intent to engage in illegal activity.

As the conversation progressed, the undercover officer disclosed that he was actually a 14-year-old schoolboy. In response, Ferguson reportedly said he “liked to play about and liked getting f*****,” revealing his inappropriate interest. The defendant then agreed to pay £40 for sex and discussed plans to meet in Middlesbrough, a nearby town in Teesside. The court was told that Ferguson later made a phone call to confirm that the other party was still willing to meet, during which he admitted he was married. He also asked whether the boy was alone and expressed that he was comfortable with the boy’s age.

Further details revealed that Ferguson attempted to negotiate the price downward, showing a willingness to manipulate the terms of the illegal encounter. His actions culminated in his arrest on July 22, after police traced and intercepted the communications. During police interviews, Ferguson admitted to being responsible for the calls and messages, and he later pleaded guilty to charges related to arranging or facilitating a child sex offence.

At Teesside Crown Court, Judge Carroll sentenced Ferguson to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years. The court also mandated that Ferguson complete 25 days of rehabilitation and adhere to strict notification requirements as a registered sex offender. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online grooming and child exploitation, and it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking behind seemingly innocent online interactions in the community of Ingleby Barwick and beyond.