Ryan Ferguson handed Criminal Behaviour Order

A man has been issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order after posting images on Instagram appearing to glorify Adolf Hitler and Nazism, and promoting the assault of police.

Ryan Ferguson, 26 years, of Barberry Crescent, Netherton pleaded guilty to three counts of causing to be sent by public communication network an offensive/indecent/obscene/menacing message/matter, contrary to section 127 of the Commutations Act 2003.

Between 12-15 January, on 6 April and on 14 June this year, Ferguson posted on Instagram stories a series of grossly offensive images.

The posts featured a Swastika and inflammatory and offensive imagery of Adolf Hitler.

Ferguson was also convicted of intentionally encouraging/assisting the commission of a summary offence (battery) relating to a post in which he promoted the assault of police.

He appeared at South Sefton Magistrates Court on Tuesday 13 October 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.

Ferguson was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) to run until 3 August 2030.

The CBO prohibits him from:

• Calling 999 if it is not to report a genuine emergency or concern
• Participating in any public gathering, march or assembly where the offender engages in chanting, physical gestures, verbal expression or other conduct that incites racial or religious hatred or unlawful violence towards any individual or group
• Publishing or positing on social media any material or statements that incite racial or religious hatred or unlawful violence towards any individual or group
• Publishing or posting on social media the name or personal details of any police or probation officer

He 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.

Detective Inspector Keith Swift said: “These posts were very clearly posted to cause deliberate offence and have no place in a civilised society.

“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.”

To report a crime taking place contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.