DEAN MEADOWS FROM WIGAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION OF SCHOOLGIRLS IN PLATT BRIDGE AND WESTHOUGHTON

In a significant crackdown on child safety threats, Dean Meadows, a 23-year-old man from Wigan, has been convicted of multiple attempted abductions targeting schoolgirls in the areas of Platt Bridge, Westhoughton, and surrounding neighborhoods. The conviction was announced on Monday, 14 April 2008, following a lengthy four-week retrial at Liverpool Crown Court, where Meadows faced serious charges related to his predatory behavior.

Meadows, born on May 6, 1984, and residing on Dartington Road, was initially tried in August 2007, where he was convicted of two counts of attempted abduction. However, the case was sent back for a retrial, which resulted in a more comprehensive conviction—12 counts of attempted abduction in total. The court sentenced Meadows to five years in prison for each of these offenses, with all sentences to run concurrently. Additionally, he was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that will remain in effect for 12 years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the need for ongoing supervision.

Throughout his offending spree, Meadows used a red Volkswagen Polo to patrol the streets of Wigan, Westhoughton, Platt Bridge, and Ince. His modus operandi involved pulling up alongside teenage schoolgirls, attempting to initiate conversations, and trying to persuade them to enter his vehicle. Despite his persistent efforts, each girl refused to get into his car, demonstrating commendable awareness and resistance. His predatory activities spanned from July 2005 to March 2006, during which he targeted multiple victims.

The first known incident occurred early in the morning on July 14, 2005, at approximately 8:30 a.m. when Meadows spotted a 14-year-old girl walking along Landemans in Westhoughton, heading to school. The girl noticed Meadows staring at her from behind the wheel of his car as he drove slowly past her. Subsequently, he pulled alongside her on Bankside, wound down his window, and asked her where she was going. He inquired about her school and offered her a lift, which she firmly refused. After returning home, the girl confided in her mother about the encounter. Concerned, her family decided to gather more information about Meadows' vehicle before involving the police. Later that day, the girl observed Meadows' car parked outside a house on Bankside, took note of the details, and contacted law enforcement authorities.

When questioned by police, Meadows initially denied any involvement in the incident. Despite this, the girl’s account was taken seriously, and police investigations continued. Later, in late 2005, Meadows attempted to approach another schoolgirl in Wigan. During this encounter, he repeatedly asked her to get into his car—five times in total—despite her clear refusal and evident fear. He also bombarded her with questions about her destination, her age, and even asked if she would give him a kiss, further demonstrating his predatory intent.

The pattern of offending persisted into March 2006, when Meadows approached a 14-year-old girl on Warrington Road in Platt Bridge around 9 p.m. and tried to entice her into his vehicle. The girl reported the incident to the police, which led to Meadows' arrest on April 1, 2006. During the subsequent investigation, authorities uncovered evidence that Meadows had approached several other girls in the wider Wigan area, including a 13-year-old girl from Platt Bridge, whom he attempted to approach on four separate occasions.

Detective Constable John Pattison of Wigan CID commented on the case, stating, “Meadows is a dangerous individual who tried to entice schoolgirls into his car. Thankfully, all the girls he approached had the common sense and wherewithal to turn him down, and most of them raised the alarm immediately. Meadows has consistently denied the charges from the outset, so we are very pleased that this dangerous individual has now been removed from the community.”

His conviction and sentencing mark a significant step in safeguarding young girls in the Wigan area, sending a clear message that such predatory behavior will be met with strict legal consequences.