A far-right agitator has been convicted for ‘glorifying Adolf HItler and Nazism’ on social media.
Ryan Ferguson posted a series of grossly offensive images on his Instagram stories between January and June which included ones featuring a Swastika and Hitler.
The 26-year-old from Netherton was also convicted on a separate charge of actively encouraing the assault of police during another post on the photo-sharing platform.
He received a suspended 17-week sentence at South Sefton Magistrates Court on Tuesday (October 13) and was fitted with a GPS tag to be worn for six months.
Ferguson was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order to run until August 2030 that also prohibits him from engaging in public gatherings that incite racial or religious hatred.
He must also surrender his mobile phone to police for inspection if stopped by a constable of Merseyside Police and requested to do so.
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.”