KENNETH MEECHAN FROM DIDCOT SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL

In November 2019, Kenneth Meechan, a 40-year-old man from Didcot, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 17 years after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl. The abuse, which spanned approximately a decade, has left the victim suffering from severe mental health issues, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of Meechan's actions.

Kenneth Meechan, a father of three residing on Blackthorn Road in Didcot, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of the girl, beginning when she was just a child of 10 years old. The court heard that Meechan's misconduct was part of a calculated campaign of grooming and manipulation that aimed to establish a false sense of intimacy and affection with the young victim.

Prosecutor Sally Hobson described the case as a disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse. She explained that Meechan initially made the girl feel special and loved, creating an illusion of a romantic relationship. The court was told that Meechan falsely portrayed her as his 'bit on the side,' implying a romantic or lover-like connection. It was only when the girl reached around 17 years of age that she realized the abusive nature of their relationship was entirely wrong.

The victim, who is now an adult woman, is protected by legal restrictions that prevent her identity from being disclosed. The court heard that their inappropriate relationship began with a simple kiss when she was still in primary school, around 10 or 11 years old. As she grew older, Meechan continued his abuse, and once she turned 15, he took her virginity and engaged in sexual intercourse with her. The court emphasized that Meechan, nearly twice her age, carried out this abuse over a period of seven years, often using alcohol to lower her inhibitions and facilitate his predatory behavior.

Judge Maria Lamb condemned Meechan's actions, stating, “You took advantage of this child and used her for your own sexual gratification. You have done her the most terrible harm. She was groomed by you to the extent that you rewarded her with money and gifts for sexual favors.” The court was told that the victim believed she was in love with Meechan and felt 'addicted' to him, which contributed to her inability to reject his advances.

In August, a jury found Meechan guilty of eight counts, including sexual assault for the initial kiss, multiple incidents of vaginal and oral rape, and an assault by penetration. Despite the conviction, Meechan continues to deny the allegations, a stance he maintained during the court proceedings. Prosecutor Sally Hobson highlighted the profound psychological toll on the victim, noting that she has suffered severe mental health issues and continues to experience nightmares and flashbacks. The victim’s statement, read aloud in court, described how Meechan made her feel worthless and isolated, manipulating her trust and loyalty through mind games.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Lamb acknowledged the devastating impact on the victim, emphasizing that she had accepted Meechan’s behavior as acts of love due to the grooming process. The judge described the abuse as a gradual process of conditioning a vulnerable child, which caused lasting psychological harm.

Defense attorney Kuljeet Singh Dobe argued that Meechan had no prior criminal record and portrayed him as a devoted father and a good husband. He mentioned that Meechan was the primary breadwinner before losing his job at Rowse Honey and expressed concern about the collateral damage his family would suffer from his conviction. Dobe described Meechan as a decent person unlikely to pose a threat upon release.

The court also heard extracts from the victim’s statement, where she recounted feeling worthless and isolated, betrayed by someone she trusted. She described the abuse as a betrayal of her trust and loyalty, which has left her with nightmares and difficulty sleeping.

Judge Lamb sentenced Meechan to 17 years in prison, with the possibility of serving up to half of that time behind bars, and the remainder on license. Additionally, Meechan will be required to register as a sex offender for life and is prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults in the future.