WILLIAM MEEHAN FROM KIRKBY ARRESTED IN PRESTON FOR ATTEMPTED CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND POSSESSION OF EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY
2025-01-11 06:09: A 76-year-old man from Kirkby, William Meehan, has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison after attempting to arrange a meeting with a girl he believed was 12 years old.Meehan traveled from Kirkby to Preston's Fulwood Leisure Centre with the intent to sexually offend against a girl named 'Jess,' who was actually an undercover police officer.
During online conversations, Meehan, then 75, used multiple aliases including 'Scouser2020' on Chat Avenue, 'BillyKirkby' on Kik Messenger, and 'Billy Meehan' on Skype.
Prosecutor Kenneth Grant explained that police found his activity across these platforms revealed a sexual interest in minors.
On January 15 last year, Meehan initiated contact with Jess on Chat Avenue, claiming to be 35 and stating he had been speaking with other girls aged 11 to 19 from across England.
He told Jess he could get into trouble for speaking to a 13-year-old and learned she was 12, after which their conversation moved to Kik Messenger.
Meehan expressed concerns about grooming charges, mentioning he had previously chatted with a girl from Wigan who wanted money for sex but had not pursued that contact.
He also said he hadn't had sex 'for ages' as he was a widower and claimed he could easily travel from Kirkby to Preston to meet Jess, assuring her that he had had a vasectomy to prevent pregnancy.
He gave Jess his phone number and they continued their chats on WhatsApp and Skype.
On January 16, Meehan called Jess his 'lovely girlfriend,' mentioned bringing Blue WKD to help her relax, and stated his desire to 'make love' to her rather than just 'have sex.' He confidently told her, 'You tell me the day, time and place and I'll be there.' The pair arranged to meet at Fulwood Leisure Centre.
Meehan planned the 36-mile journey using his satnav.
On January 21, he reaffirmed his seriousness, revealed he had purchased the Blue WKD, and that he would meet Jess after her mother dropped her off.
On January 23, Meehan drove to the centre, only to be detained and arrested in the car park.
Police seized various items from his vehicle, including his iPhone, the Blue WKD, a bottle opener, a glass, and a Viagra tablet found in a storage compartment under the steering wheel.
A search at his home uncovered a laptop containing 22 extreme pornographic videos involving bestiality.
When police interviewed Meehan, he claimed his intention was to 'fondle' Jess when he brought her home and that his comments about having sex were meant metaphorically; he also stated he was impotent, and the Viagra was for use with a woman he was seeing.
Regarding his chat logs, he said, 'She dropped the hook and reeled me in,' and expressed concern that Jess's mother might alert the police.
Meehan admitted to two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child and possession of extreme pornographic material but initially denied attempting to facilitate a child sex offence until he changed his plea just before trial, pleading guilty on a basis rejected by the prosecution.
This resulted in a Newton hearing, where the judge dismissed his claim that he had no intention of engaging in penetrative sex.
Despite having previous convictions for dishonesty and driving offences—none since 1973—Meehan's recent actions led to his immediate incarceration.
His defense attorney, Sarah Holt, described him as remorseful, 'terrified' of jail, and emphasized his medical conditions, some of which are serious, needing care at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
Holt noted the court process had increased his health issues and caused hospitalization.
Judge David Swinnerton addressed Meehan directly, criticizing his dishonesty in youth but condemning his actions in 2020 as a grave disgrace, stating, 'You committed extremely serious sexual offences and disgraced yourself in your old age.' He confirmed there was no excuse for Meehan's attempt, especially noting Meehan's planning: instructing Jess on how to keep their meeting secret, bringing WKD and Viagra, and expressing intentions for a long-term relationship.
The judge concluded, 'I am absolutely sure you intended to take a 12-year-old back home for sexual intercourse,' pointing out Meehan's use of impotence as a supposed excuse and confirming the presence of Viagra as part of his kit for carrying out the offence.
Meehan was then sentenced to three years and seven months imprisonment, with a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
--------------------------- 2021-10-15 00:01: 2025-01-11 06:09: A 76-year-old man from Kirkby, William Meehan, has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison after attempting to arrange a meeting with a girl he believed was 12 years old.
Meehan traveled from Kirkby to Preston's Fulwood Leisure Centre with the intent to sexually offend against a girl named 'Jess,' who was actually an undercover police officer.
During online conversations, Meehan, then 75, used multiple aliases including 'Scouser2020' on Chat Avenue, 'BillyKirkby' on Kik Messenger, and 'Billy Meehan' on Skype.
Prosecutor Kenneth Grant explained that police found his activity across these platforms revealed a sexual interest in minors.
On January 15 last year, Meehan initiated contact with Jess on Chat Avenue, claiming to be 35 and stating he had been speaking with other girls aged 11 to 19 from across England.
He told Jess he could get into trouble for speaking to a 13-year-old and learned she was 12, after which their conversation moved to Kik Messenger.
Meehan expressed concerns about grooming charges, mentioning he had previously chatted with a girl from Wigan who wanted money for sex but had not pursued that contact.
He also said he hadn't had sex 'for ages' as he was a widower and claimed he could easily travel from Kirkby to Preston to meet Jess, assuring her that he had had a vasectomy to prevent pregnancy.
He gave Jess his phone number and they continued their chats on WhatsApp and Skype.
On January 16, Meehan called Jess his 'lovely girlfriend,' mentioned bringing Blue WKD to help her relax, and stated his desire to 'make love' to her rather than just 'have sex.' He confidently told her, 'You tell me the day, time and place and I'll be there.' The pair arranged to meet at Fulwood Leisure Centre.
Meehan planned the 36-mile journey using his satnav.
On January 21, he reaffirmed his seriousness, revealed he had purchased the Blue WKD, and that he would meet Jess after her mother dropped her off.
On January 23, Meehan drove to the centre, only to be detained and arrested in the car park.
Police seized various items from his vehicle, including his iPhone, the Blue WKD, a bottle opener, a glass, and a Viagra tablet found in a storage compartment under the steering wheel.
A search at his home uncovered a laptop containing 22 extreme pornographic videos involving bestiality.
When police interviewed Meehan, he claimed his intention was to 'fondle' Jess when he brought her home and that his comments about having sex were meant metaphorically; he also stated he was impotent, and the Viagra was for use with a woman he was seeing.
Regarding his chat logs, he said, 'She dropped the hook and reeled me in,' and expressed concern that Jess's mother might alert the police.
Meehan admitted to two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child and possession of extreme pornographic material but initially denied attempting to facilitate a child sex offence until he changed his plea just before trial, pleading guilty on a basis rejected by the prosecution.
This resulted in a Newton hearing, where the judge dismissed his claim that he had no intention of engaging in penetrative sex.
Despite having previous convictions for dishonesty and driving offences—none since 1973—Meehan's recent actions led to his immediate incarceration.
His defense attorney, Sarah Holt, described him as remorseful, 'terrified' of jail, and emphasized his medical conditions, some of which are serious, needing care at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
Holt noted the court process had increased his health issues and caused hospitalization.
Judge David Swinnerton addressed Meehan directly, criticizing his dishonesty in youth but condemning his actions in 2020 as a grave disgrace, stating, 'You committed extremely serious sexual offences and disgraced yourself in your old age.' He confirmed there was no excuse for Meehan's attempt, especially noting Meehan's planning: instructing Jess on how to keep their meeting secret, bringing WKD and Viagra, and expressing intentions for a long-term relationship.
The judge concluded, 'I am absolutely sure you intended to take a 12-year-old back home for sexual intercourse,' pointing out Meehan's use of impotence as a supposed excuse and confirming the presence of Viagra as part of his kit for carrying out the offence.
Meehan was then sentenced to three years and seven months imprisonment, with a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
--------------------------- 2021-10-15 00:01: 2025-01-11 06:09: A 76-year-old man from Kirkby, William Meehan, has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison after attempting to arrange a meeting with a girl he believed was 12 years old.
Meehan traveled from Kirkby to Preston's Fulwood Leisure Centre with the intent to sexually offend against a girl named 'Jess,' who was actually an undercover police officer.
During online conversations, Meehan, then 75, used multiple aliases including 'Scouser2020' on Chat Avenue, 'BillyKirkby' on Kik Messenger, and 'Billy Meehan' on Skype.
Prosecutor Kenneth Grant explained that police found his activity across these platforms revealed a sexual interest in minors.
On January 15 last year, Meehan initiated contact with Jess on Chat Avenue, claiming to be 35 and stating he had been speaking with other girls aged 11 to 19 from across England.
He told Jess he could get into trouble for speaking to a 13-year-old and learned she was 12, after which their conversation moved to Kik Messenger.
Meehan expressed concerns about grooming charges, mentioning he had previously chatted with a girl from Wigan who wanted money for sex but had not pursued that contact.
He also said he hadn't had sex 'for ages' as he was a widower and claimed he could easily travel from Kirkby to Preston to meet Jess, assuring her that he had had a vasectomy to prevent pregnancy.
He gave Jess his phone number and they continued their chats on WhatsApp and Skype.
On January 16, Meehan called Jess his 'lovely girlfriend,' mentioned bringing Blue WKD to help her relax, and stated his desire to 'make love' to her rather than just 'have sex.' He confidently told her, 'You tell me the day, time and place and I'll be there.' The pair arranged to meet at Fulwood Leisure Centre.
Meehan planned the 36-mile journey using his satnav.
On January 21, he reaffirmed his seriousness, revealed he had purchased the Blue WKD, and that he would meet Jess after her mother dropped her off.
On January 23, Meehan drove to the centre, only to be detained and arrested in the car park.
Police seized various items from his vehicle, including his iPhone, the Blue WKD, a bottle opener, a glass, and a Viagra tablet found in a storage compartment under the steering wheel.
A search at his home uncovered a laptop containing 22 extreme pornographic videos involving bestiality.
When police interviewed Meehan, he claimed his intention was to 'fondle' Jess when he brought her home and that his comments about having sex were meant metaphorically; he also stated he was impotent, and the Viagra was for use with a woman he was seeing.
Regarding his chat logs, he said, 'She dropped the hook and reeled me in,' and expressed concern that Jess's mother might alert the police.
Meehan admitted to two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child and possession of extreme pornographic material but initially denied attempting to facilitate a child sex offence until he changed his plea just before trial, pleading guilty on a basis rejected by the prosecution.
This resulted in a Newton hearing, where the judge dismissed his claim that he had no intention of engaging in penetrative sex.
Despite having previous convictions for dishonesty and driving offences—none since 1973—Meehan's recent actions led to his immediate incarceration.
His defense attorney, Sarah Holt, described him as remorseful, 'terrified' of jail, and emphasized his medical conditions, some of which are serious, needing care at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
Holt noted the court process had increased his health issues and caused hospitalization.
Judge David Swinnerton addressed Meehan directly, criticizing his dishonesty in youth but condemning his actions in 2020 as a grave disgrace, stating, 'You committed extremely serious sexual offences and disgraced yourself in your old age.' He confirmed there was no excuse for Meehan's attempt, especially noting Meehan's planning: instructing Jess on how to keep their meeting secret, bringing WKD and Viagra, and expressing intentions for a long-term relationship.
The judge concluded, 'I am absolutely sure you intended to take a 12-year-old back home for sexual intercourse,' pointing out Meehan's use of impotence as a supposed excuse and confirming the presence of Viagra as part of his kit for carrying out the offence.
Meehan was then sentenced to three years and seven months imprisonment, with a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
--------------------------- 2021-10-15 00:01: 2025-01-11 06:09: A 76-year-old man from Kirkby, William Meehan, has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison after attempting to arrange a meeting with a girl he believed was 12 years old.
Meehan traveled from Kirkby to Preston's Fulwood Leisure Centre with the intent to sexually offend against a girl named 'Jess,' who was actually an undercover police officer.
During online conversations, Meehan, then 75, used multiple aliases including 'Scouser2020' on Chat Avenue, 'BillyKirkby' on Kik Messenger, and 'Billy Meehan' on Skype.
Prosecutor Kenneth Grant explained that police found his activity across these platforms revealed a sexual interest in minors.
On January 15 last year, Meehan initiated contact with Jess on Chat Avenue, claiming to be 35 and stating he had been speaking with other girls aged 11 to 19 from across England.
He told Jess he could get into trouble for speaking to a 13-year-old and learned she was 12, after which their conversation moved to Kik Messenger.
Meehan expressed concerns about grooming charges, mentioning he had previously chatted with a girl from Wigan who wanted money for sex but had not pursued that contact.
He also said he hadn't had sex 'for ages' as he was a widower and claimed he could easily travel from Kirkby to Preston to meet Jess, assuring her that he had had a vasectomy to prevent pregnancy.
He gave Jess his phone number and they continued their chats on WhatsApp and Skype.
On January 16, Meehan called Jess his 'lovely girlfriend,' mentioned bringing Blue WKD to help her relax, and stated his desire to 'make love' to her rather than just 'have sex.' He confidently told her, 'You tell me the day, time and place and I'll be there.' The pair arranged to meet at Fulwood Leisure Centre.
Meehan planned the 36-mile journey using his satnav.
On January 21, he reaffirmed his seriousness, revealed he had purchased the Blue WKD, and that he would meet Jess after her mother dropped her off.
On January 23, Meehan drove to the centre, only to be detained and arrested in the car park.
Police seized various items from his vehicle, including his iPhone, the Blue WKD, a bottle opener, a glass, and a Viagra tablet found in a storage compartment under the steering wheel.
A search at his home uncovered a laptop containing 22 extreme pornographic videos involving bestiality.
When police interviewed Meehan, he claimed his intention was to 'fondle' Jess when he brought her home and that his comments about having sex were meant metaphorically; he also stated he was impotent, and the Viagra was for use with a woman he was seeing.
Regarding his chat logs, he said, 'She dropped the hook and reeled me in,' and expressed concern that Jess's mother might alert the police.
Meehan admitted to two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child and possession of extreme pornographic material but initially denied attempting to facilitate a child sex offence until he changed his plea just before trial, pleading guilty on a basis rejected by the prosecution.
This resulted in a Newton hearing, where the judge dismissed his claim that he had no intention of engaging in penetrative sex.
Despite having previous convictions for dishonesty and driving offences—none since 1973—Meehan's recent actions led to his immediate incarceration.
His defense attorney, Sarah Holt, described him as remorseful, 'terrified' of jail, and emphasized his medical conditions, some of which are serious, needing care at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
Holt noted the court process had increased his health issues and caused hospitalization.
Judge David Swinnerton addressed Meehan directly, criticizing his dishonesty in youth but condemning his actions in 2020 as a grave disgrace, stating, 'You committed extremely serious sexual offences and disgraced yourself in your old age.' He confirmed there was no excuse for Meehan's attempt, especially noting Meehan's planning: instructing Jess on how to keep their meeting secret, bringing WKD and Viagra, and expressing intentions for a long-term relationship.
The judge concluded, 'I am absolutely sure you intended to take a 12-year-old back home for sexual intercourse,' pointing out Meehan's use of impotence as a supposed excuse and confirming the presence of Viagra as part of his kit for carrying out the offence.
Meehan was then sentenced to three years and seven months imprisonment, with a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
--------------------------- 2021-10-15 00:01: In October 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving William Meehan, a pensioner from Kirkby, who was caught attempting to commit a serious sexual offense against a 12-year-old girl.
Meehan, aged 75 at the time, had traveled from his home in Kirkby to a leisure centre in Preston with the apparent intent of engaging in illegal activities with a minor.
He carried with him a bottle of Blue WKD and a Viagra tablet, which he allegedly planned to use in his attempt to assault the young girl.
According to reports, Meehan had arranged to meet a girl named "Jess" at the Preston swimming pool.
The communication was conducted through online chat platforms, where Meehan falsely claimed to be a 35-year-old man and referred to Jess as his "girlfriend." During their conversations, he expressed a desire to make love to her while her mother was away, revealing his intentions clearly.
Unbeknownst to him, Jess was an undercover police officer, and when he arrived at the leisure centre, authorities swiftly arrested him.
At the time of his court appearance at Liverpool Crown Court, William Meehan appeared visibly frail, using two crutches, an oxygen mask, and a hearing aid loop.
He was identified as a resident of Cawthorne Avenue, Southdene, Kirkby, and was known online by several aliases, including "Scouser2020" on Chat Avenue, "BillyKirkby" on Kik Messenger, and "Billy Meehan" on Skype.
Prosecutor Kenneth Grant highlighted that police investigations into Meehan’s online activity revealed a disturbing pattern of sexual interest in young girls.
It was established that Meehan initiated contact with Jess on January 15 of the previous year via Chat Avenue.
During their exchanges, he falsely claimed to be 35 years old and boasted about speaking with other girls across England, aged between 11 and 19.
He warned Jess that he could be imprisoned for communicating with a 13-year-old, to which she responded that she was only 12.
Their conversations then moved to Kik Messenger, where Meehan continued to express his intentions.
He admitted to having previously spoken with a 12-year-old girl from Wigan who wanted sex in exchange for money, although he did not pursue that further.
Prosecutors revealed that Meehan, a widower, claimed he had not engaged in sexual activity for some time.
He also stated that he could easily travel to Preston to meet Jess and bring her back to his home.
During the chats, he reassured her that he had had a vasectomy, so there was no risk of pregnancy.
Meehan, who worked as a mechanic and drove a Ford Focus, provided Jess with his phone number to continue their conversations via WhatsApp and later on Skype.
On January 16, he referred to Jess as his "lovely girlfriend" and mentioned bringing a bottle of Blue WKD to help her relax, expressing his desire to "make love" to her rather than just have sex.
The following week, Meehan confirmed his seriousness about the meeting, stating he had already purchased the Blue WKD and would meet her after her mother dropped her off.
On January 23, he drove to the Preston leisure centre, planning to meet Jess at the vending machines, but was arrested in the car park before the encounter could take place.
Police seized his iPhone, the Blue WKD, a bottle opener, a glass, and a Viagra tablet from his vehicle.
A subsequent search of his home uncovered a laptop containing 22 extreme pornography files, including bestiality.
During police interviews, Meehan claimed he intended to bring Jess home to "fondle" her, but when confronted with chat logs, he expressed frustration, saying, "She dropped the hook and reeled me in." He also admitted to wanting to keep her mother from discovering their plans, fearing she might alert the authorities.
Meehan faced charges of two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child and possession of extreme pornographic material.
He initially denied attempting to facilitate a child sex offense but pleaded guilty two weeks before his trial, on a basis rejected by the prosecution.
His plea was based on the claim that he did not intend to engage in penetrative sexual intercourse, a claim that was ultimately dismissed after a Newton Hearing, a legal procedure to resolve disputed facts.
As a result, William Meehan was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years, reflecting the severity of his actions and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
