Head ‘who taught Potter star’ is top sex crime target
A BRITISH headmaster who boasted of teaching Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is on Interpol’s most wanted list.
Paul Meekin, 43, is accused of sexually harassing a 13-year-old American boy at an international school in Bangalore, India.
Indian prosecutors claim bearded Meekin, originally from Southport, Merseyside, sent lewd messages to the boy over social media.
In 2011 Meekin claimed to have taught Radcliffe at a London primary school before he landed his starring role in the Harry Potter films. He told The Times of India: “I taught him science but only for a short while. I remember him as a happy kid.
“I didn’t recognise him when I watched the first movie.
“Children change a lot; you need to look into their eyes to recognise them.
“Much later I recognised his name and said, ‘Oh it’s that boy’!”
However Radcliffe, 27, was educated at three London independent day schools, the Redcliffe School in Redcliffe Square, Chelsea, Sussex House in Cadogan Square, Chelsea, and the City of London School on the Thames.
It is unclear if Meekin, alleged to have lied about his qualifications, ever taught the star.
Radcliffe, who was privately tutored as a child on set while making the films, has never discussed Meekin.
This week Meekin appeared on Interpol’s list of 25 “Red Notice” most wanted fugitives alongside terrorists, murderers and drug dealers. Police in the US, Australia, India and other countries are on the alert for him.
When he was first arrested in January 2012 he was head at £1,400-a-term Trio World School in Bangalore.
He was allegedly sacked after the American boy’s parents complained and his qualifications were then found to be bogus.