MATTHEW FERGUSON FROM CARLISLE AND WORKINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES AND BREACH OF COURT ORDER

In a serious development within the criminal justice system, Matthew Ferguson, a man with a troubling history of sexual offences, has once again found himself at the center of legal proceedings. Ferguson, aged 42, who has previously been convicted of serious sexual misconduct, was recently subjected to a court ruling that reflects ongoing concerns about his compliance with legal restrictions and monitoring measures.

Ferguson’s latest legal trouble began when he was found to have violated a court-imposed order by removing monitoring software from his electronic devices. This software was specifically installed to enable law enforcement authorities to track his online activity, a measure put in place to prevent further offending. His decision to tamper with or disable this monitoring tool was viewed as a breach of the court’s directives and prompted further legal action.

Historically, Ferguson’s criminal record includes a significant conviction from 2021, when he was sentenced to 45 months in prison. This sentence followed his arrest after he engaged in online communications with what he believed was a 12-year-old girl. In reality, he was communicating with members of a vigilante group aiming to catch individuals involved in child exploitation. The court heard that Ferguson had sent explicit messages, made graphic sexual suggestions, and even shared a crude image of himself during this period of communication.

Ferguson’s actions in 2021 included attempts to incite a minor to engage in sexual activity, which led to his arrest at his residence in Workington. The police apprehended him in March after the vigilante group confronted him directly at his home. During the court proceedings, Ferguson, who was then residing on King Street, admitted to five charges, including attempted sexual communication with a child and inciting a child to engage in penetrative sexual acts. His defense attorney, Anthony Parkinson, acknowledged that Ferguson recognized the reprehensible nature of his conduct, describing his actions as “repulsive” and “wrong.”

Further complicating Ferguson’s case was the court’s consideration of his mental capacity. Judge Andrew Nuttall noted that Ferguson’s IQ was on the borderline of a learning disability, which was taken into account during sentencing. As part of his punishment, Ferguson was ordered to adhere to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years and to register as a sex offender, obligations that are standard in cases involving sexual misconduct involving minors.

Most recently, Ferguson’s breach of the court order by removing monitoring software has resulted in a new sentence. He received an eight-month suspended sentence, which will be active for 24 months. This means that if Ferguson commits any further violations or offences within this period, he could face immediate imprisonment. The court’s decision underscores the ongoing concern about his compliance and the potential risk he poses to the community, especially given his history and the nature of his previous offences.