The Digital Chains of 'Slave Adam': Stalking, Misogyny, and the Failure of Online Accountability

A young man who paid thousands of pounds to a financial dominatrix, then stalked her and threatened her with sexual violence, has been handed a suspended sentence in Liverpool. The case of Adam Atherton, who called himself 'Slave Adam', raises troubling questions about how digital platforms enable predatory behaviour and how the justice system handles the intersection of online subcultures and real-world harm.

According to Liverpool Crown Court, Atherton, 24, first contacted the victim in November 2024 through a 'findom' arrangement, a form of financial domination where clients derive gratification from sending money. He donated a large sum and arranged a meeting. But within 48