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Man turned up at former partner’s home in Elgin unannounced during ‘sinister and concerning’ series of incidents





A man who continually messaged acquaintances of a former partner before turning up at her address uninvited has been told his behaviour was “sinister and concerning”.

Mark Falconer, 34, who used to live in Elgin but now resides near Glasgow, appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court on a reduced charge relating to a series of unwanted contacts between April and November last year.

Elgin Sheriff Court. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Elgin Sheriff Court. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

The court heard how Falconer first attempted to reach out on April 7 last year by sending Facebook messages to someone known to his former partner, requesting her contact details.

He received no response and on October 23 he messaged another individual claiming to be a “long lost friend” of his former partner and again requesting her contact details.

He again received no response but on November 13 matters escalated when he appeared in person and unannounced at the woman’s front door in Elgin.

The court heard how the woman was shocked by this as she had never disclosed her address with him and was “fearful” as to how he had found her.

She asked him to leave but he returned on the same day and repeatedly rang the doorbell to the property.

She concluded that he was under the influence of alcohol with the court hearing that his eyes were “glazed” at the time of the incident.

The court heard that the pair had been in a relationship “of sorts” but that it had ended by the time of the incidents.

Falconer’s solicitor described the relationship as “not straightforward” but emphasised that her client, who is a father, was “deeply ashamed” of his actions.

While acknowledging that Falconer had attempted to blame the complainer, the solicitor noted that he never suggested her behaviour was criminal.

She added that the November incident had been a “wake-up call” for her client after he had become “consumed” by the relationship.

Sheriff David Harvie told Falconer: “This is sinister and concerning behaviour.

“I also have concern that you have been assessed as a medium risk.

“You’ve demonstrated a level of minimisation and limited responsibility.

“You and I are going to be on a journey.”

Sheriff Harvie imposed a two year non harassment order.

He placed him under 18 months of supervision with a review in three months where Falconer will be reassessed to see if he is suitable for the UP2U programme.

Falconer was also ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work to be completed within nine months.


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