Adam Atherton, 24, known online as 'Slave Adam', was sentenced to 18 months in prison suspended for two years after stalking a financial dominatrix and sending her graphic threats of sexual assault and physical harm. The victim was left terrified when Atherton tracked her to a Wetherspoons pub in Liverpool and sat behind her.
Threats and Stalking
Atherton initially sent the victim a large cash donation in November 2024, arranging to meet two days later. However, the woman cancelled and blocked him after receiving a message saying: 'Watch out for me in Liverpool. I might rape you.' A month later, Atherton apologised, blaming his autism for the comments, and asked for the money back.
Despite this, he continued his harassment. In March 2025, while the victim was playing the 'Wetherspoon's game'—posting her table number so followers could send drinks—Atherton arrived at the pub and sat behind her. He messaged her: 'Sorry goddess, the service is slow in here. Do you notice me?' and 'You are so beautiful. I have to see you for myself. I'm sick but I'm trying to become better.'
The victim realised he was there and alerted pub staff, who asked him to leave, but he loitered outside. Prosecutor Bethany Leigh told Liverpool Crown Court that the victim felt 'terrified and trapped.'
Escalating Threats
After the pub incident, Atherton continued sending messages, including threats to sexually assault her and hit her with a hammer. He was arrested on May 21, 2026, and made 'full and frank admissions,' telling police he made the threats because they were the 'most extreme thing he could say to get a reaction.'
The victim said his actions had a 'profound' impact on her sense of safety, leaving her with 'constant stress, anxiety and fear.' She stopped socialising in Liverpool city centre, fearing he would find her again. 'I have been trapped in a continuous nightmare,' she said.
Sentencing and Mitigation
Atherton admitted stalking causing fear of violence. His defence, Lloyd Morgan, argued that messages painted a picture of a dangerous man, but documents showed otherwise. Atherton had been diagnosed with ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and was on the autism spectrum pathway. He had undergone therapy and was supported by Mersey Care.
The court heard Atherton had sent around £4,000 in total to various women online but had ceased with psychiatric help. He was university-educated, had held multiple jobs, and was on a council gardening apprenticeship at the time of his arrest.
Sentencing, Recorder Carwyn Cox noted Atherton's inability to control his behaviour and the 'troubling' level of threats. He imposed an 18-month suspended sentence, 20 rehabilitation days, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a five-year restraining order. Atherton thanked the judge, who replied: 'I hope you never come back here again.'
