PETER FERGUSON FROM GREAT HORKESLEY JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN COLCHESTER

In a case that has shocked the local community of Great Horkesley and the surrounding areas, Peter Ferguson has been sentenced to prison following his conviction for sexually assaulting a woman he met through a dating application. The incident took place in the Highwoods area of Colchester, where Ferguson, 43 years old and residing on Keelers Way in Great Horkesley, orchestrated a deceitful scheme that culminated in a disturbing assault.

Ferguson, who falsely claimed to be an airline pilot named ‘Matt Parker’ and also posed as a masseur, used a fake profile on the Bumble dating app to initiate contact with the victim. The communication began in September of the previous year, during which the two exchanged messages and phone calls. As their conversations progressed, Ferguson offered to arrange a massage session, citing that the victim had mentioned feeling sore after a gym workout. This offer was part of his calculated plan to gain her trust and facilitate his criminal intentions.

On the day of the appointment, Ferguson arrived at the victim’s home in the Highwoods area, claiming to be a professional masseur with two decades of experience. The victim, suspicious yet hopeful, was initially reassured by his appearance and demeanor. However, she soon noticed that ‘Steve,’ the name he used for the massage appointment, and ‘Matt,’ the persona he adopted online, shared similar voices and expressions. Despite her observations, Ferguson denied any connection between the two identities.

During the massage, Ferguson committed a sexual assault, asserting that it was what ‘Matt’ had paid for. The victim repeatedly told him to stop, but he continued until she firmly insisted and he ceased his actions. After Ferguson left her home, she took immediate steps to identify him. She searched for ‘Steve’s’ phone number online and discovered a photograph of Ferguson, confirming her suspicions. The following day, law enforcement officers arrested Ferguson at his residence in Great Horkesley.

His trial at Chelmsford Crown Court lasted four days, culminating in a conviction on April 4 for sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault. The court sentenced Ferguson to 32 months in prison for the sexual assault by penetration and an additional 14 months for the sexual assault, with both sentences to run concurrently. Furthermore, upon his release, Ferguson will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years and will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

Inspector Lisa Norcott commented on the case, stating, “Ferguson spun a calculated web of lies, with the intention of committing an abhorrent assault that has had a lasting impact on his victim. I hope today’s sentence gives her some comfort that justice has been done, and I want to praise her courage throughout the investigation and trial.” She emphasized the manipulative nature of offenders like Ferguson, who prey on women seeking companionship and love, warning that there may be other victims who have yet to come forward. The inspector urged anyone affected by similar incidents to contact authorities, assuring support and justice for all victims.

The victim expressed her feelings of betrayal and vulnerability, recounting how Ferguson was very convincing and even claimed to be in Bangladesh at one point. She shared her concerns about meeting strangers online, advising others to exercise caution, meet in public places, and be mindful of personal information shared. She also spoke about the emotional toll the incident has taken on her, including diminished self-esteem and trust issues. Despite her struggles, she acknowledged the importance of support from organizations like the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser Service, as well as law enforcement officers and friends, in helping her begin to move forward. Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in online interactions and the importance of vigilance in protecting oneself from predators.