ANDREW FAULKNER FROM CRYSTAL PALACE SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING YOUNG BOYS IN GUILDFORD

In December 2010, a disturbing case of online predation culminated in the conviction and sentencing of Andrew Faulkner, a 45-year-old man from Bridgewood Close, Crystal Palace, south London. Faulkner was found guilty of engaging in a series of heinous sexual offences involving two underage boys, with the crimes taking place primarily in the Guildford area between October 2008 and September 2009.

Faulkner’s criminal activities came to light after police investigations revealed that he had used social networking platforms, notably Bebo, to pose as a teenager and lure young boys into dangerous situations. His method involved creating a false online persona to establish trust and manipulate his victims. One of the most alarming aspects of his offending was his meeting with one of the boys in the car park of a Tesco store located in Park Barn, Guildford. It was there that Faulkner engaged in sexual acts with the minor, an act that was captured and documented as part of the police investigation.

During an earlier court hearing, Faulkner admitted to multiple charges, including three counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing or inciting child pornography, and one count of arranging a child sex offence. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent images of children and four counts of possessing such images, with police seizing a total of 107 indecent images from his computer. These offences involved two male victims, both under the age of 16, and occurred within the Guildford vicinity.

Prosecutor Alex Durran detailed the case, explaining that police had received a report in October 2009 about a 13-year-old boy being groomed online. Initially, the young victim was reluctant to come forward, but later confirmed that some of the allegations were true. The victim disclosed that he had met Faulkner on four occasions in the Tesco car park, where they engaged in sexual acts inside a rented van. Additional meetings took place at a nearby industrial estate, further implicating Faulkner in a pattern of predatory behavior.

Authorities conducted a thorough investigation, tracking Faulkner’s mobile phone to a petrol station and matching his image on CCTV footage to a photograph he had emailed to one of his victims. The case highlighted Faulkner’s manipulative tactics and the extent of his online activities, which were aimed at exploiting vulnerable young boys.

Faulkner’s defense, represented by solicitor Lionel Blackman, attempted to provide context for his actions, citing personal issues such as a deteriorating marriage and depression. Blackman stated that Faulkner sought solace in internet chatrooms, although he acknowledged the deep shame and remorse Faulkner felt for his actions. The judge, Suzan Matthews, was unequivocal in her sentencing remarks, emphasizing the severity of the offences and the law’s intent to protect minors from such predatory behavior. She remarked that Faulkner’s sexual gratification appeared to be the primary motivation behind his crimes, which he committed at the expense of his victims.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Fiona Mackie commented on the case, expressing hope that the conviction would help the victims and their families begin to recover from their traumatic experiences. She praised their bravery in coming forward and cooperating with authorities.

Faulkner was sentenced to a total of five years in prison for each of the three counts of sexual activity with a child. Additional five-year sentences were handed down for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and for arranging a child sex offence. He also received a two-year sentence for each of the two counts related to causing or inciting child pornography. All sentences are to run concurrently, resulting in a total prison term of five years.

Furthermore, Faulkner was declared a dangerous offender, meaning he poses a significant risk to the public. Upon release, he will serve an extended three-year period on licence. An indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed, requiring him to sign the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further offending.