MOHAMMED KICHE FROM HALLGLEN AND FALKIRK SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF SCHOOLGIRL IN CALLENDAR PARK

In December 2019, a disturbing case of sexual assault unfolded in Falkirk, involving a young girl and a man from the nearby area of Hallglen. The incident, which took place in January 2017, has since resulted in the conviction of Mohammed Kiche, a 19-year-old man who preyed on a 15-year-old schoolgirl in a public park.

According to court proceedings, Kiche lured the young girl to Callendar Park in Falkirk during the night, an area unfamiliar to her, with the apparent intention of exploiting her. The girl, who had only met Kiche once before, was with a group of friends when he suggested they go to the park. Despite her initial reluctance and protests, she was persuaded to accompany him. The girl later recounted to a friend that Kiche had tried to manipulate her, claiming she had seduced him, a statement she later refuted in court.

During the trial at the High Court in Glasgow, jurors heard how Kiche, who was described as physically imposing, took advantage of the situation. The young victim, overwhelmed and frightened, was pushed over a bench by Kiche, who then sexually assaulted her. The girl struggled to resist, trying to push him away, but her efforts were hindered by the disparity in size and strength. She shouted for help, but Kiche quickly silenced her by covering her mouth with his hand.

The girl’s friend, who was nearby, witnessed her distress and later described her as being unusually quiet after the incident. The friend noted that the girl, who had been laughing and cheerful earlier, was now subdued and tearful. She was eventually comforted and calmed down after revealing what had happened. The victim’s bravery in speaking out was a crucial part of the case.

Kiche was detained following the assault, and during the trial, he claimed that the girl had effectively seduced him that night. However, the evidence presented in court led to his conviction for the sexual assault. It was also revealed that Kiche had been charged with raping a 14-year-old girl at the same park a week prior, but the jury returned a verdict of not proven on that charge.

The judge, Lady Scott, emphasized the seriousness of the offence and decided to remand Kiche in custody until sentencing, which was scheduled for January 23 in Edinburgh. The court made it clear that such crimes are taken very seriously, and Kiche’s actions have had a profound impact on the victim and the community of Falkirk and Hallglen alike.