JAY FERGUSON OF HUYTON SENTENCED AFTER VIOLENT RAPE THREATS AND DISTURBING OFFENCES AT HMP STYAL AND BEYOND

In March 2021, Jay Ferguson, a resident of Huyton, faced serious legal proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court following a series of disturbing and criminal behaviors linked to his past and ongoing threats. Ferguson, who has a history of sexual offenses and violent threats, was found to have committed multiple breaches of court orders and engaged in activities that posed a significant risk to the safety of others.

Ferguson’s criminal record is extensive, beginning with convictions for assault and possessing a knife in public in 2015. His troubling pattern of behavior escalated in November 2017 when he admitted to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and to five counts of malicious communications. During that period, Ferguson assembled a 'rape kit' containing items such as a balaclava and gloves, and explicitly told police he intended to abduct and rape a child. He claimed to have been inspired by a 'psycho' character from the television show Law & Order, and showed officers a teddy bear, explaining, “I hurt the teddy so I don’t hurt kids.”

His threats and actions included sending sinister messages to teenagers and a mother of a 15-year-old girl, with police uncovering a disturbing pattern of threats and preparations for sexual violence. Ferguson’s communications revealed a desire to carry out these acts at the earliest opportunity, and he expressed awareness that such conduct was wrong but claimed an uncontrollable urge to act on his fantasies.

Following his initial release from prison in August 2019 after serving 22 months, Ferguson returned to Huyton. Within just five days, he contacted police, claiming that a man had sent him indecent images of children. However, investigations revealed that Ferguson had encouraged this man to send videos, exchanged explicit material, and even sent videos of himself performing sex acts. Ferguson later claimed he was acting as a 'paedophile hunter' to gather evidence against the other individual, but police found a video of a girl aged between eight and ten performing a sex act, which further implicated him.

His behavior continued to raise alarms when, shortly after being released on bail for possessing indecent images and a knife, Ferguson entered Huyton Police Station claiming he had been sexually assaulted and was carrying a knife for protection. The police found a grey kitchen knife in his waistband, which he said he carried out of fear. His history of violence and threats led to concerns about his immediate risk to the public.

In the latest proceedings, Ferguson appeared via video link from HMP New Hall, a women’s prison near Wakefield, where he was held at the time. He confirmed his preference to be referred to as Mr Ferguson, using he and him pronouns. He pleaded guilty to two breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibited him from accessing certain dating apps and contacting specific individuals, including his niece. The breaches occurred between February 27 and March 1, 2021, when Ferguson accessed the Zoe and Only Women dating platforms via Facebook, both platforms aimed at lesbian and bisexual women. Additionally, he admitted to breaching the order by contacting his niece through Facebook Messenger.

Ferguson’s defense requested a pre-sentence report, citing issues related to self-harm and accommodation. The court, presided over by Judge Rachel Smith, adjourned sentencing until April 30, 2021, and remanded Ferguson in custody until that date. The judge emphasized the importance of full cooperation with probation officers to ensure a comprehensive assessment of Ferguson’s circumstances. She warned that the adjournment did not imply leniency, and all sentencing options, including immediate custody, remained open.

Throughout the proceedings, the court was informed of Ferguson’s previous convictions, which included assault, possession of a knife, and malicious communications. His actions demonstrated a pattern of escalating criminality, with authorities expressing concern over his ongoing risk to the community, especially vulnerable children. The court highlighted that Ferguson’s behavior was indicative of a deeply troubled individual who posed a significant danger, and he was subject to multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) due to his high risk status.

Judge Warnock sentenced Ferguson to an additional 14 months in prison, with the expectation that he would serve approximately two months before potential release. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing individuals with a history of sexual offenses and violent threats, especially those who continue to breach court orders and pose a threat to public safety.