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Family Barricades Home Against Violent Neighbor's Abuse
18 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Family fears for safety due to harassment from neighbor with over 140 convictions.
- Neighbor convicted 10 times since last year but remains in council property.
- Couple barricaded doors nightly for safety, using furniture and walking sticks.
A family in the village of Forth lives in constant fear due to a neighbor with an extensive criminal record exceeding 140 convictions. Since last year, the Mastersons have endured a campaign of harassment from Peter Ferguson, who has been convicted 10 times for abusive conduct but still occupies his council property.
Facing escalating threats, including a petrol bomb threat and early morning disturbances, the Mastersons resorted to barricading their doors nightly. They used furniture and even Chris Masterson's walking stick to secure their home, compromising fire safety but providing a semblance of security. Their pleas for intervention have led to multiple court orders against Ferguson, which he has repeatedly breached.
The South Lanarkshire Council states it is actively pursuing eviction proceedings, though the court process is ongoing. The Mastersons feel unsupported and are considering selling their home, but the prospect is bleak due to the need to disclose their neighbor's issues. Ferguson himself refused to comment when approached.
