Mark Ferguson, a Scottish man convicted of murdering his girlfriend by strangling her with her stockings over a cigarette in 2008, has passed away in HMP Shotts. The Scottish Prison Service confirmed his death on Monday, January 13, at the age of 53. Mark Ferguson was found dead in the prison earlier this week.
Ferguson’s crime took place when he killed Elizabeth Hunter, 47, in Falkirk after an argument about smoking their last cigarette. This brutal act led to his conviction for murder at the High Court in Glasgow, where he was described by judge Lord Brailsford as committing “a wicked and horrible crime.” Despite a letter from Elizabeth’s sister expressing the family’s devastation, Ferguson was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 12 years before parole eligibility.
During the trial, it was revealed that Ferguson had choked Elizabeth for six minutes until she stopped struggling, after which he attempted to cover up the crime by dressing her in her undergarments and having a drink before going to sleep. Upon waking up, he realised the gravity of his actions and called the police to confess to the murder.
The news of Mark Ferguson’s death in HMP Shotts has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal, as per standard procedure for deaths in custody. Fatal Accident Inquiries will be conducted in due course to further investigate the circumstances surrounding his passing.
In conclusion, the tragic end to this story highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the long-lasting consequences of such heinous acts. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing such crimes within society to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals.