Adam Atherton, a 24-year-old from Whiston, has been sentenced for stalking a financial dominatrix and sending her vile threats of sexual violence. Atherton, who referred to himself as 'Slave Adam', initially contacted the victim in November 2024, sending her large sums of money. He arranged to meet her two days later, but the situation quickly escalated when he sent a message threatening to rape her.
Threats and Stalking
The victim, whose identity is protected, worked as a 'findom' – a dominatrix who financially dominates clients. After the rape threat, she cancelled their arrangement and blocked his account. However, Atherton continued his campaign of harassment. In October 2024, he asked for his money back and apologised, claiming his autism caused him to say things without meaning to.
In March 2025, the victim was terrified when she realised Atherton was sitting behind her in a Wetherspoons pub in Liverpool. He had tracked her location through a social media game where she posted her table number. He sent messages saying, 'Sorry goddess, the service is slow in here. Do you notice me?' and 'You are so beautiful. I have to see you for myself. I'm sick but I'm trying to become better.' The victim alerted pub staff, and Atherton was asked to leave but loitered outside.
Continued Harassment
After the pub incident, Atherton sent further messages threatening sexual assault and saying he would hit her with a hammer. The victim said the impact was 'profound' and left her feeling 'terrified and trapped.' She stopped socialising in Liverpool city centre out of fear. Atherton was arrested on May 21, 2026, and made full admissions, telling police the threats were 'the most extreme thing he could say to get a reaction.'
In a victim impact statement, she said: 'I have lived with constant stress, anxiety and fear knowing he was threatening me. It left me feeling vulnerable and unable to relax. ... No human being should be subjected to the vile misogynistic actions of Atherton. He tried to dehumanise me but by coming forward I have shown him to be the weak one.'
Court Proceedings
Atherton admitted stalking causing fear of violence at Liverpool Crown Court. He had no previous convictions. The court heard he had been diagnosed with ADHD and emotional dysregulation and was on the autism spectrum disorder pathway. Since his arrest, he had undergone therapy and counselling with Mersey Care. His defence lawyer, Lloyd Morgan, said Atherton had shown 'good self-reflection' and motivation to engage with treatment.
The court also heard Atherton had sent around £4,000 in total to various women online but had ceased with the help of a psychiatrist. He was university-educated and working as a council gardening apprentice at the time of his arrest.
Sentence
Recorder Carwyn Cox sentenced Atherton to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete 20 rehabilitation days and 200 hours of unpaid work. A five-year restraining order prevents him from contacting the victim. The judge told Atherton: 'You are an individual who at this stage in your life had trouble with forming healthy relationships with females. ... I hope you never come back here again.'
