COUNTY DURHAM MAN JAILED FOR SADISTIC ATTACK ON ELDERLY VETERAN
A 43-year-old man from Cedar Crescent in Murton, named Paul Falconer, has been convicted for his role in a violent and sadistic assault on a 76-year-old veteran in County Durham.It was reported that on September 9 at approximately 1am, Falconer arrived at the victim’s home with a female companion.
The elderly man, who lived alone, was awoken by loud noises at his door and subsequently forced indoors by Falconer.
Once inside, Falconer placed the man into the living room and onto a chair, then demanded money.
He assaulted the elderly man multiple times, leaving him with serious injuries including a suspected broken nose.
Falconer then brandished a kitchen knife, pressing it against the victim’s neck and making threats to cut off his ears and slit his throat.
The attacker also kneeled on the man’s groin, stamped on his arm, and struck his head with a briefcase, causing a laceration and bleeding.
During this time, Falconer stole £300, three bank cards (which he unsuccessfully attempted to use), a watch, a mobile phone, and car keys.
He issued threats, stating that reporting the incident would result in “the lads” being sent after the victim.
The victim managed to get assistance from a neighbor and later identified Falconer to law enforcement.
The assault left the victim emotionally distressed and with physical injuries such as a swollen eye, bruising, a cut lip, and a head wound.
Court proceedings revealed Falconer had three previous convictions and that he played a leading part in targeting the victim.
During sentencing, Judge James Adkin described the attack as sadistic and noted the vulnerable state of the victim.
Falconer was sentenced to 8 years and 8 months in prison, with a lifetime restraining order issued to prevent contact.
