Perth Man Imprisoned for Murder of 20-Year-Old

A man has received a minimum 16-year prison sentence for fatally stabbing another individual in Perth. Caleb Ferguson was convicted of the murder of 20-year-old Cameron Rae, which occurred at a city flat in April of the previous year. Ferguson, aged 18 when the crime took place, inflicted three stab wounds to the victim’s torso, with one of these injuries resulting in fatal internal damage. He had previously entered a guilty plea for the less severe charge of culpable homicide, but this was declined by the prosecution. Judge Lord Scott informed Ferguson that a victim impact statement, submitted by Mr Rae’s mother on behalf of his family, detailed the ongoing daily repercussions of losing their cherished son and brother. The judge also noted that a background report compiled on Ferguson elaborated on testimony presented during his trial concerning his excessive use of alcohol and cocaine when the offense occurred. Testimony in court revealed that following the deadly assault, Ferguson communicated to his sister via telephone that he had “plugged” Mr Rae. Witness Connor Kelly testified during the trial that he was at a Perth bar with others, observing a Celtic-Rangers football match on television, when Ferguson arrived and joined their group. Kelly and Ferguson subsequently proceeded to the flat where the assault later occurred, intending to continue drinking. During an outing from the flat, Kelly encountered Mr Rae, who had also been consuming alcohol, and extended an invitation for him to return to the residence. Mr Kelly stated that at a certain point, he left Ferguson and Mr Rae inside the flat and, upon his return, discovered Mr Rae injured and Ferguson appearing angry. Advocate depute Greg Farrell informed the jurors: “Caleb Ferguson said something about Cammy having called his dad a junkie and that appears to be the only explanation offered by Caleb Ferguson as to why he stabbed Cameron Rae to death.”