Teenager who repeatedly raped boy more than 20 years ago now behind bars

Paul Ferguson, of Petch Street in Stockton, was 14 years old when he raped an eight-year-old boy.

The boy would sometimes stay at a property in Stockton where Ferguson, now aged 39, was living.

During this time, Ferguson raped and sexually assaulted the boy in a bedroom on numerous occasions over a period of years.

On Friday 29 August, Ferguson appeared at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced to three counts of rape of a boy under 16 and two counts of indecent assault of a boy under 14.

A judge jailed him for five years. 

The court heard how the boy would cry, beg and scream for Ferguson to stop.

It was in May 2022 that the victim reported the rape, and over a period of time, gave a detailed account to officers.

What followed was an investigation to build a case that involved gathering various evidence and speaking to witnesses.

In 2022, Ferguson was interviewed by officers and denied the offences. Following the investigation, he was then subsequently charged in 2024.

After pleading not guilty at an earlier hearing, his trial began at Teesside Crown Court on Monday 16 June. On the third day of his trial, Ferguson pleaded guilty to the offences.

Detective Constable Niamh Birdsall, who led the investigation, said: “What Ferguson did to the boy was horrific and he has had to live with the trauma of it, throughout his life as a child and an adult.

“It is as an adult, that he gained the courage and bravery to confide in those close to him about what happened, then disclose it to police and to see it right through the court process.

“I hope this also provides courage to other people who may have experienced abuse, that no matter when it happened, it is never too late to be heard and to seek justice.

“While I understand it is extremely traumatic, there are specialist services available to provide support throughout.”

If you have been a victim of non-recent sexual abuse, please call Cleveland Police on 101.