‘Out of control’ drink and drug fuelled teen who stabbed man to death jailed for life

A teenager who was described as being ‘out of control’ due to drink and drugs has been sentenced to life in prison for stabbing a man to death. Caleb Ferguson, 20, was ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years before he can apply for parole for the murder of Cameron Rae, 20, at a flat in Perth on April 8. Upon receiving his sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh, Ferguson faced shouts of anger from the public benches.

The court heard that Ferguson, who was 18 at the time of the murder, stabbed his victim three times in the torso, resulting in fatal internal injuries. The judge noted the impact of Cameron’s death on his family, as described in a victim impact statement from his mother. Ferguson was reported to have been under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time of the crime, and a background report highlighted his troubled childhood experiences.

During the trial, it was revealed that Ferguson initially denied the murder but later admitted to killing Cameron after offering a plea to a lesser charge, which was rejected by the Crown. Following the attack, Ferguson fled the scene and later turned himself in at a different police station.

Witnesses testified that Ferguson had attacked Cameron after a dispute, where he mentioned an insult about his father as the reason for the stabbing. Ferguson’s defence counsel argued that his client had a difficult upbringing and poor health at the time of the offence, urging the judge to consider these factors in sentencing.

The sentencing judge acknowledged Ferguson’s tumultuous background but emphasised the seriousness of his actions, stating that the murder showed intent or reckless disregard for the victim’s life. Ferguson’s actions were condemned by the court, highlighting the tragic consequences of his violent behaviour.

In a case that shocked the community, the court’s decision to hand down a life sentence reflects the severity of Ferguson’s crime and the devastating impact it had on the victim and his loved ones. The sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent actions and the need for accountability in cases of senseless tragedies.