LEE MEIKLE FROM SOUTHEND JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS

In December 2007, a man named Lee Meikle from Southend was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with underage girls. The court proceedings revealed that Meikle, aged 27 at the time, pleaded guilty to having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl and performing a sexual act on another girl aged 13 while he was intoxicated.

According to court records, Meikle was separated from his girlfriend and their child at the time of the incident. On June 2, he went out drinking and later arrived at a female friend’s flat in Southend. The court heard that he continued drinking at the flat, which was also occupied by his friend and three young girls, some of whom were preparing for a sleepover.

During the course of the evening, Meikle was left alone in the flat with two of the girls, one of whom had been drinking alcohol, and a teenage boy. It was during this period that Meikle made inappropriate advances towards both girls. The court was informed that he engaged in consensual sexual activity with one of the girls, which contributed to his conviction.

Judge Philip Clegg addressed Meikle directly during the sentencing, stating, “You were very stupid and got drunk. You went to the flat and continued to drink. Irresponsibly, it would appear the woman allowed the children to drink too.” The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, noting that Meikle had committed two separate acts of sexual activity involving two different underage girls. He pointed out that Meikle was twice their age and should have known better, regardless of whether the girls had led him on.

Judge Clegg also highlighted that Meikle was a grown man with family responsibilities, including a girlfriend and a child. Despite this, the judge acknowledged the defense’s argument that Meikle was not a danger to children and accepted that the sexual activities were consensual and primarily influenced by alcohol consumption.

As a result of his guilty plea, Meikle, who resides at Mirror Steps on Southend’s Woodgrange Estate, was convicted on four counts of sexual activity with a child. The court also ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the need for ongoing monitoring and protection of the community.