November 2014 Bognor Regis man gets ban on living with children lifted A Bognor Regis man who abused a nine-year-old girl more than 30 years ago has convinced top judges to lift a ban on him living with children. Iain Andreas Merritt was 17 when he subjected the youngster to “disgraceful and disgusting” abuse, exposing his genitals and encouraging her to touch them. Merritt, now 49, of Southwark Walk, was caged for 16 months at Chichester Crown Court in June, 2011, after he was convicted of indecency with a child. He was also hit with a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO). It banned him indefinitely from living in the same premises as anyone under the age of 18, without their parents’ informed consent. But three top judges at London’s Appeal Court have upheld a challenge by Merritt against the SOPO, saying his “isolated” offence did not justify the restriction on his liberty. Lord Justice Davis said the offence took place in the early 1980s. As he abused the girl, Merritt told her: “There is nothing to be scared of.”