ANDREW MELLUISH CAUGHT IN EXMINSTER POLICE STING TRYING TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD BOY AT MCDONALD'S

In October 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving Andrew Melluish, a man from Exminster, who was apprehended in a police operation after attempting to meet a minor for sexual purposes. Melluish, a 56-year-old mental health support worker, believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old boy named Owen through the popular gay dating app Grindr. However, the individual on the other end of the conversation was an undercover officer from the child protection team, posing as a young teenager to catch potential offenders.

Throughout their exchanges, Melluish displayed alarming intentions. One of his messages explicitly stated, “If I get caught, I will be classed as a bloody paedophile,” revealing his awareness of the serious nature of his actions. He also sent a nude photograph of himself, further indicating his intent. The conversation escalated to the point where Melluish arranged to meet Owen at a McDonald's restaurant located in Newton Abbot, a plan that was swiftly thwarted when he arrived and was immediately arrested by police officers.

Following his arrest, Melluish was taken into custody and later appeared before Exeter Crown Court. The court heard that he had admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communications with a minor and to planning a child sex offence. Despite his role as a mental health worker, his actions cast a shadow over his character and professional reputation.

In sentencing, Recorder Mr. Malcolm Galloway sentenced Melluish to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years. The court also mandated that he complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities and ordered him to pay costs amounting to £600. Additionally, Melluish was placed on the sex offenders’ register and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which grants authorities the authority to monitor his online activity for the next decade.

The judge emphasized the gravity of the offence, stating, “This was a serious offence, notwithstanding the fact that it was a police officer at the other end of the phone. Over a period of time, you believed you were communicating with a 14-year-old boy.” He acknowledged Melluish’s previously good character and his work supporting disabled individuals, noting that many had spoken positively about him. The judge also addressed the possible underlying issues, suggesting that Melluish may have struggled with his sexuality, but clarified that this did not justify his interest in minors.

Prosecutor Miss Christine Hart detailed that the initial contact was made on July 16 of that year, with conversations continuing until his arrest 12 days later. Melluish transitioned the chat to WhatsApp and persisted in sexual discussions, despite Owen explicitly stating he was only 14. Melluish was transparent about his age and expressed that he did not want to pressure the boy into anything he was uncomfortable with. He also sent a naked photo of himself and discussed a meeting in Newton Abbot, clarifying that their interaction would be limited to kissing and touching, with no further sexual activity planned.

In police interviews, Melluish claimed he did not know what might have happened if he had actually met a real boy instead of being caught in the sting operation. His actions have raised serious concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect minors from exploitation and abuse.