Adam Atherton, 24, of Fisher Avenue in Whiston, admitted stalking causing fear of violence after sending thousands of pounds to a financial dominatrix and later following her to a Wetherspoons pub in Liverpool city centre. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.
Financial Domination and Threats
The victim, who works as a "findom" — a dominatrix who financially dominates clients — received a cash donation on Throne.com from a user named "Slave Adam" in November 2024. Two days later, before their scheduled meeting, she received an anonymous message warning: "Watch out for me in Liverpool. I might rape you." The "Slave Adam" user later sent a screenshot of the warning to confirm he was behind the threat. She blocked the account and cancelled the meeting.
In December 2024, Atherton contacted her again, asking for money back and apologizing, claiming his autism caused him to say things without meaning to. The victim later received further threats, including messages saying he would sexually assault her and that it would be her fault. In October 2025, he threatened to hit her with a hammer.
The Wetherspoons Incident
In March 2025, the victim was drinking at a Wetherspoons pub in Liverpool city centre and posted her table number and location as part of the "Wetherspoon's game," where followers can buy drinks. Atherton sent a message saying, "Sorry goddess, the service is slow in here. Do you notice me?" followed by, "You are so beautiful. I have to see you for myself. I'm sick but I'm trying to become better." The victim realized he was sitting behind her. Her friend alerted pub staff, and Atherton was asked to leave but continued loitering outside.
Prosecutor Bethany Leigh told the court that Atherton made "full and frank admissions" when arrested on May 21, 2026. He told police the sexually violent threats were "the most extreme thing he could say to get a reaction."
Impact on the Victim
In a victim impact statement, the woman said Atherton's actions had a "profound" impact on her sense of safety. "I have lived with constant stress, anxiety and fear knowing he was threatening me," she said. "The most frightening incident was when he followed me to the pub. He positioned himself behind me, making me feel terrified and trapped. I immediately feared for my safety." After being asked to leave, she said he remained outside, "trapping" her inside. She stopped socializing in Liverpool city centre due to fear of encountering him again.
Defense and Sentencing
Defense lawyer Lloyd Morgan argued that Atherton was not a dangerous man, noting he had been diagnosed with ADHD and emotional dysregulation and was on the autism spectrum disorder pathway. Since his arrest, he had undergone therapy and counseling with Mersey Care. The court heard Atherton had sent around £4,000 in total to various people online but had ceased with psychiatric help. He was university-educated, had held several jobs, and was on a council gardening apprenticeship at the time of his arrest.
Recorder Carwyn Cox sentenced Atherton to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, with 20 rehabilitation days and 200 hours of unpaid work. A five-year restraining order was also imposed. The judge told Atherton: "You are an individual who at this stage in your life had trouble with forming healthy relationships with females. It is clear you embarked on this behaviour in a way that got out of any level of control." Atherton thanked the judge, who replied, "I hope you never come back here again."
