DUNDEE MAN MATTHEW FERGUSON SENTENCED FOR SERIAL RAPE OF SLEEPING TEENAGERS IN DUNDEE AND GALASHIELS
In a disturbing series of crimes spanning over five years, Matthew Ferguson, a resident of Dundee, has been convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving sleeping victims in the cities of Dundee and Galashiels.The court proceedings revealed that Ferguson targeted three teenage girls while they were unconscious, committing three separate rapes and an indecent assault between the years 2011 and 2016.
Ferguson, aged 24 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty of these heinous acts after a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
The court heard that his youngest victim was only 13 years old when Ferguson first assaulted her, and he continued to prey on her after she turned 14.
The evidence presented detailed how the victims were asleep and unable to consent or resist during the attacks, emphasizing the vulnerability of those targeted.
During the trial, one of the victims recounted her experience of being assaulted by Ferguson while she was a young teenager staying overnight at a house in Galashiels.
She described waking up to find Ferguson in her room and being molested, stating, “It took me a minute or so to realize someone was lying on top of me.” She tearfully told the court that she later confided in her father about the assault.
Another victim, who was staying with her then-boyfriend in Dundee in the spring of 2016, testified that Ferguson visited the house and engaged in a conversation with her boyfriend about a phone application.
She fell asleep after midnight, only to wake up to Ferguson on top of her.
She recounted her shock, saying, “Someone on top of me,” and described how her boyfriend intervened, shouting, “Get off her.” Ferguson was still on top of her when her boyfriend intervened.
Ferguson’s defense team, led by solicitor advocate Iain Paterson, argued that Ferguson intends to use his time in prison to address his behavior and reduce the risk of re-offending.
Despite this, Judge Lady Carmichael emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, taking into account Ferguson’s age at the time of the offenses.
She noted that Ferguson was “still a child” when he committed the earliest acts, which influenced her sentencing decision.
As a result of his convictions, Ferguson was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
Following the verdict, Ferguson was remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled to continue next month.
