PETER FERGUSON BANNED FROM BENTILEE AND STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR SEX OFFENDER BREACHES

In a series of recent legal proceedings, Peter Ferguson, a 73-year-old known sex offender from Bentilee, has faced significant consequences for violating court-imposed restrictions designed to protect children. His breaches have garnered attention due to his extensive criminal history and the serious nature of his violations.

On March 2017, Ferguson was sentenced to six months in prison after he was found guilty of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Despite having previous convictions related to offenses against minors, Ferguson’s latest breach involved visiting a neighbor’s flat in Stoke-on-Trent while his own child was present. The court heard that Ferguson approached a man living in the flat above his own on February 9, requesting a cup of milk. The neighbor, who was at home with his child, kindly invited Ferguson inside. During this visit, Ferguson engaged in conversation with the neighbor’s child, although there was no suggestion that Ferguson behaved inappropriately.

Prosecutor Antony Longworth emphasized that Ferguson was explicitly prohibited from being in any premises where he knew a child under 16 was present. The court was informed that Ferguson’s actions, while seemingly minor, constituted a breach of the court order. Judge Paul Glenn acknowledged that the breach was relatively minor and that Ferguson’s contact with the child was not inappropriate. However, the judge underscored the importance of adhering to court orders meant to safeguard children, stating, “You still remain a high risk towards children.” The judge also remarked that the child’s father would likely have been shocked to learn of Ferguson’s presence in the vicinity.

Ferguson, who does not have a fixed address, pleaded guilty to the breach, and the court sentenced him to six months in prison. He is expected to serve approximately half of that sentence.

Ferguson’s criminal history is extensive. In February 2015, he was jailed for the third time for breaching a Sexual Offence Prevention Order. At that time, Ferguson, a resident of Beverley Drive, Bentilee, was recognized by a probation officer while on his mobility scooter. The officer, aware of Ferguson’s status as a registered sex offender, observed him reaching into a basket on his scooter to show something to a young boy, aged around three years old. This incident was particularly concerning given Ferguson’s history of 15 sexual offence convictions dating back to 1963, including a 13-year prison sentence handed down in 1995 for indecent assault on a minor under 14 and buggery on a minor under 16.

Since his release from prison in 2007, Ferguson has repeatedly violated the terms of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which explicitly forbids any contact with individuals under the age of 16. His latest breach involved him engaging with a young child in Stoke-on-Trent, an act that the court deemed highly dangerous. The presiding officer, Mr. Recorder Desmond, emphasized the seriousness of Ferguson’s actions, warning that any future breaches would not be excused by claims of the child initiating contact or forgetfulness regarding the order. Ferguson was subsequently sentenced to six months in prison, with the possibility of serving up to half of that term.