PAUL FALCONER MOHAMMED FAROOQ: PRESTONPANS CHILD SEX OFFENDER'S SHOCKING TRANSFORMATION AND COURT TRIAL

In February 2012, the case of Paul Falconer, also known as Mohammed Farooq, a convicted child sex offender from Prestonpans, East Lothian, took a new turn as he was released from prison after serving his sentence. Falconer, who was 43 at the time of his release, had previously been sentenced to nearly eight years in 2006 for the sexual abuse of two young girls in Prestonpans in 2004. His crimes had shocked the local community and garnered significant media attention due to the nature of his offenses and the legal proceedings involved.

Back in August 2008, it was reported that Falconer, then 40 years old, had undergone a notable transformation during his incarceration. He converted to Islam and adopted the name Mohammed Farooq, a change he insisted should be recognized by prison authorities at Peterhead prison. Falconer’s case had previously made legal history when his five-year-old victim provided her testimony via video link from a different location, a measure introduced to reduce the trauma faced by vulnerable witnesses. This young girl was sexually abused by Falconer in Prestonpans, East Lothian, in 2004, along with another girl who was only seven years old at the time.

Falconer’s ex-wife expressed her shock and concern over his name change, stating, “Paul should not be allowed to go by any other name. People should be warned about this in case he tries to hide his past when he gets out.” She emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding his true identity, especially considering his criminal history.

During his time in prison, Falconer claimed to have found faith in Allah. He now observes Islamic practices, including facing Mecca to pray five times daily and consuming a halal diet. A prison source revealed that Falconer refused to respond to his Scottish name when called by prison staff, instead insisting on being addressed as Mohammed Farooq. The source also suggested that other inmates viewed his conversion as a possible attempt to demonstrate remorse or to influence parole decisions, although officials from the Scottish Prison Service confirmed that both names are recorded and registered upon release.

Muslim community leaders responded positively to Falconer’s conversion. Osama Saeed, chairman of the Scottish Islamic Foundation, commented, “People have more time for contemplation and reflection in jail, and there are many reasons why they would decide to convert. But they have to do their time and change their ways.” His conversion was not an isolated incident; other Scottish prisoners, such as George Clark, now known as Yusuf Ansari, have also embraced Islam during their incarceration. Clark, a 46-year-old convicted rapist, even advertised for a wife online from jail after his conversion.

Meanwhile, the legal proceedings surrounding Falconer’s case continued to unfold. In June 2006, a significant development occurred when a five-year-old girl, one of the victims, provided her testimony via video link from Edinburgh to the Perth High Court. This marked a historic moment in Scottish legal history, as it was the first time such a remote testimony was used to help reduce the stress and anxiety for a vulnerable witness. The girl, who could not be named for legal reasons, was only five years old at the time and was questioned in a manner designed to put her at ease, including simple questions about her age, her favorite TV show, and her activities at school.

The trial involved allegations that Falconer had committed multiple acts of sexual abuse against the young girl at various locations, including Dalkeith Country Park and Grange Crescent East in Prestonpans, East Lothian. The charges also included similar attacks on another girl, aged seven, at the Jelly Club soft play area in Peffermill Road, Edinburgh, and at Salt Preston Place in Prestonpans. Falconer faced additional charges for failing to appear at the High Court in Edinburgh on February 28 while on bail, which he denied. The trial was expected to continue over several days, with the court proceedings focusing on the evidence presented by the young witnesses and the defense.

Throughout the court session, the young girl’s testimony was carefully managed to minimize her distress. The judge, Lord Emslie, explained to her that he was a judge in a distant courtroom and would disappear “like magic” after pressing a button, ensuring her that he was not physically present. The girl was asked simple questions about her daily life, such as whether she could count to five, her favorite TV program, and her activities at school, which she answered confidently. Her responses included her enjoyment of sticking her hands in glue at school and her favorite cartoon, CBeebies.

As the legal process continues, the community and the public remain attentive to the case, which highlights the complexities of justice for victims of sexual abuse and the ongoing debates about rehabilitation and the potential for offenders to reform during incarceration.