DAVID MELDRUM FROM WATERBEACH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN CAMBRIDGE

In October 2011, a man named David Meldrum, residing in Waterbeach, was sentenced to prison for a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed against a young girl over a span of six years. The case was heard at Cambridge Crown Court, where the details of the abuse were laid bare, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned much of the girl’s childhood.

During the proceedings, Meldrum, aged 68, appeared before Judge Jonathan Haworth and expressed his remorse for his actions. At one point, he requested his defense barrister to convey to the court how deeply sorry he was for the repeated indecent assaults he committed during the 1980s. His words reflected a rare moment of contrition, as he acknowledged the gravity of his misconduct.

It was revealed that Meldrum, who lives on Vicarage Close in Waterbeach, began abusing the girl when she was approximately 10 or 11 years old. The abuse was not limited to acts of indecency; in later years, Meldrum would expose himself to her and ask her to touch his genitals. The young girl, whose account was presented by prosecutor Sara Walker, stated that she had complied with his requests because she did not understand that her actions were wrong at the time.

Judge Haworth sentenced Meldrum to a total of three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including gross indecency with a girl under the age of 14 and two counts of indecent assault against a child. Additionally, Meldrum admitted to another indecent assault involving a different young girl. Despite the long duration of the abuse, it was noted that Meldrum had exercised restraint in later years when in contact with children, which was considered a mitigating factor.

In his remarks, Judge Haworth described the case as a “horrendous period of abuse,” emphasizing the profound and lasting impact on the victim. “The impact upon her is difficult fully to know,” the judge said. “It has taken many years for her to speak out. Clearly, it must have had a significant impact on her.” The judge also highlighted that the crimes were aggravated by the “sheer length of time over which the offences were committed,” underscoring the severity of the case.

During mitigation, defense lawyer Georgina Gibbs stated that Meldrum had expressed “utter disgust, shame and remorse” for his conduct. In police interviews, Meldrum claimed he “wasn’t attracted by children” and was unsure why he had committed these offenses. Ms. Gibbs added that Meldrum’s expressions of sorrow appeared to be genuine, suggesting he had come to reflect on his actions and was willing to participate in a sexual offenders’ rehabilitation program while serving his sentence.

Ultimately, Judge Haworth sentenced Meldrum to three years in prison, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the lasting damage caused to his victims.