PETER MEAKIN'S SHOCKING CHILD PORN OFFENSES IN BURNLEY: EX-TEACHER JAILED FOR TWO YEARS

In July 2007, Peter Meakin, a 57-year-old former primary school teacher from Westbourne Avenue in Burnley, was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of possessing and distributing child pornography. The case revealed disturbing details about his involvement in the sharing and exchange of indecent images involving minors.

Meakin's criminal activities came to light when police, acting on information from the Metropolitan Police, executed a warrant at his residence. Upon arrival, Meakin initially denied any involvement with child pornography, insisting he had no connection to such material. However, subsequent investigations uncovered a significant collection of indecent images stored on his computer equipment. Authorities discovered that Meakin had used a computer program called Picasso Hello, a platform designed for social interaction, sharing images, and chatting with friends. The program allowed users to send high-quality images securely and instantly to their contacts, and Meakin maintained a list of 49 friends within this network.

During police questioning, Meakin, who used the alias 'Stroller' in online chats, admitted to communicating with a contact named Foley, later identified as Alan Hedgecock. The conversations between the two revealed disturbing exchanges, including descriptions of sexual abuse and the sharing of 28 indecent images. Hedgecock, who was also convicted of child porn offenses, was sentenced to an indefinite prison term for public protection at Southwark Crown Court, receiving an additional four-year sentence for his crimes. Both men’s cases involved multiple defendants and highlighted the extent of their illegal activities.

Prosecutor Katie Jones outlined that police found Meakin's computer contained numerous indecent images, including some involving teenagers, although he claimed he had never visited sites with child pornography and would delete any inappropriate images he received. He also stated that he had ordered a program called Evidence Eliminator to prevent his wife from discovering the images of transsexuals and adult pornography stored on his device. Despite this, police confirmed that child pornography was present on his computer, and Meakin was questioned about whether he had downloaded such material. He issued a prepared statement claiming he had been sent indecent images but had no interest in them and had never forwarded any.

Meakin explained that his depression and alcohol use during that period might have contributed to his actions, suggesting that he was not fully aware of the severity of his conduct. He admitted to using the sites when feeling depressed and drinking, which he believed might explain why he did not delete certain images. During a later interview in November, he chose to remain silent when questioned further and denied having a preference for children.

Throughout the proceedings, it was emphasized that none of the images on Meakin’s computer related to children he had taught at school. His defense lawyer, Andrew Nuttall, described Meakin’s life prior to these events as worthwhile, noting his service in the army in Northern Ireland and his career as a teacher. Nuttall highlighted that Meakin’s health had deteriorated, leading to depression, alcohol abuse, and social withdrawal. The lawyer stressed that Meakin was now receiving psychiatric treatment and was remorseful for his actions, believing he deserved a second chance.

Judge Beverley Lunt sentenced Meakin to two years in prison, emphasizing that he was an active participant in the criminal activities, not merely a recipient of others’ perverted thoughts. She condemned the conversations between Meakin and Hedgecock, describing them as disgusting and emphasizing that the victims in the images were real children. The court also imposed strict restrictions on Meakin’s future, including a lifelong ban from working with children, a prohibition on contact with minors unless supervised, and a ban on possessing or using computers without police approval. Additionally, Meakin was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring.