DUNCAN FERGUSON FROM TROON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL

In January 2015, Duncan Ferguson, a 37-year-old man from Troon, found himself at the center of a disturbing case involving the possession of highly illegal and depraved child abuse images. The investigation revealed that Ferguson had downloaded both 'category four' and 'category five' images, which are classified as the most extreme and repulsive forms of such material. These illicit files were acquired over a period stretching from May 21, 2010, to December 6, 2013, while he was residing at his former home on North Shore Road in Troon.

Despite the gravity of the charges and the clear evidence of his involvement, Ferguson was allowed to leave Ayr Sheriff Court last week without serving time behind bars. He had admitted to downloading these disturbing images for his own sickening gratification, yet he denied intentionally searching for such material. The court was informed that 15 images were found stored on his computer, with additional files uploaded onto a pen drive, raising serious concerns about his actions.

During the proceedings, Ferguson’s solicitor, Hugh Duncan, attempted to mitigate the severity of the case. Duncan explained that in similar cases, there are often specific search terms used to locate such material, but in Ferguson’s case, those terms appeared to be absent. Duncan stated, “He didn’t go intentionally looking for these images on the internet. Some of these images have come down with the general searches.” He further acknowledged Ferguson’s responsibility, saying, “Mr Ferguson accepts that there was these images. There’s an acceptance that he put them on the pen drive.”

Hugh Duncan also highlighted that Ferguson’s computer contained over 23,000 files in total, with only a very small percentage being the illegal images. He pointed out that the images in question were used solely for Ferguson’s personal gratification and suggested that he could benefit from participation in a sexual offenders programme to address his behaviour.

However, the presiding Sheriff Scott Pattison emphasized the seriousness of the offence. He stated, “I’m sure by now that you know how serious these matters are and that the court’s first thought in a case like this, where the images are at the extreme end, is to consider a custodial sentence.” Despite this, Sheriff Pattison decided against imprisonment, opting instead for a community-based punishment. Ferguson was sentenced to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and was placed on the sex offenders register for three years. Additionally, he will be subject to a supervision order and his internet activity will be monitored for a period of five years to prevent any further illegal activity.

These measures aim to protect the community and ensure Ferguson’s compliance with the court’s directives, but they also serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against the distribution and possession of child abuse images, especially in cases involving individuals from seemingly ordinary backgrounds in towns like Troon.