Ryan Ferguson, 26, of Barberry Crescent, Netherton, has been handed a criminal behaviour order (CBO) after posting images on Instagram that appeared to glorify Adolf Hitler and Nazism, as well as promoting attacks on police officers, Merseyside Police has said.
Ferguson pleaded guilty to three counts of causing to be sent by public communication network an offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing message or matter, contrary to section 127 of the Communications Act 2003. Between January 12 and 15, on April 6 and on June 14 this year, he posted on Instagram stories a series of grossly offensive images, including a Swastika and inflammatory imagery of Adolf Hitler.
He was also convicted of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of a summary offence (battery) relating to a post in which he promoted assaulting police officers.
Sentence and CBO terms
Ferguson appeared at South Sefton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, October 13, where he was sentenced to 17 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also issued with a GPS tag to be worn for six months.
The CBO, which runs until August 3, 2030, prohibits him from calling 999 unless reporting a genuine emergency or concern, participating in any public gathering, march or assembly where he engages in chanting, physical gestures, verbal expression or other conduct that incites racial or religious hatred or unlawful violence, publishing or posting on social media any material or statements that incite racial or religious hatred or unlawful violence, and publishing or posting on social media the name or personal details of any police or probation officer.
Ferguson must also surrender his mobile phone to police for inspection if stopped by a constable of Merseyside Police and requested to do so. Breaching or failing to meet the terms of a CBO is a criminal offence for which offenders can be jailed.
Police response
Ferguson, who is a convicted football hooligan, has in recent years developed a history of banning orders and a prison sentence for racially abusing a footballer. Detective Inspector Keith Swift said: “These posts were very clearly posted to cause deliberate offence and have no place in a civilised society.”
Swift added: “The overwhelming majority of people will be appalled at the language and images he chose to share. I have no doubt Ferguson knew the impact his posts could have, but still chose to repeatedly post imagery of this abhorrent nature on his Instagram account.”
“He also promoted the assault of police. Officers come to work each day to protect the public and bring offenders to justice. Thankfully no officers came to physical harm as a direct result of his post, but Ferguson’s reckless actions clearly had the potential to cause serious harm as well as distress.”
“Having repeatedly committed offences, he has been made subject to a lengthy criminal behaviour order. CBOs are an effective tool in tackling repeat offenders, and should Ferguson breach this order then he will be arrested and could be sent to prison. We will continue to take robust action when anyone uses social media to share anything grossly offensive, and I hope Ferguson’s sentencing today sends a clear message to anyone considering the same.”
