OAP jailed for historical child sex abuse offences
A PENSIONER with an “exemplary military record” has been caged for the sickening sexual abuse of a child.
Philip Meekings, of Stockton, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced after pleading guilty to his crimes.
Outlining the case, prosecutor Christine Egerton said the offences took place on Teesside several years ago.
The court heard Meekings’ victim, then of primary school age, was left “haunted” by the abuse.
In a victim impact statement, the abuse survivor said: “I feel extremely sad about what happened to me. After being assaulted I didn’t want to tell anyone, I was young and because I couldn’t tell anyone I used to feel overwhelmed.
“Ever since this happened I’ve been scared to be around any men. I struggled to trust anyone.
The statement continued: “I want the defendant to be punished the same way I feel I have been punished.
“I protected his secret and have been haunted by it every day. I feel like I’ve been living in a never-ending cycle of emotional distress.”
The court heard Meekings admitted the abuse and has no previous convictions. The 72-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault against a child under 13.
His barrister, Eleanor Durdy said: “He has accepted responsibility for this case. He has an exemplary military record. He was a member of the Royal Anglian Regiment having joined as a soldier in 1966 at the age of 15.”
After leaving the Army, he worked as a security officer for 21 years and during this time was held at gunpoint twice in armed robberies. When he was made redundant from the job, the court heard he worked for a parcel company before retiring in 2016. Ms Durdy also said the defendant was his wife’s full-time carer up until he was arrested. She now lives in a care home.
Sentencing, Judge Peter John Bowden Armstrong said: “These offences are so serious that only custody can be justified. The victim clearly suffered severe psychological damage.”
Meekings, of Brignall Road, was handed an extended prison sentence made up of a six-year jail term and a one-year licence period, made subject of a restraining order, Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and must comply with sex offender notification requirements.
Speaking after sentencing, officer in the case CAVA Detective Constable Elliott Shute said: “I am pleased with the sentence given to Meekings today. This - as well as his being subject to an SHPO (sexual harm prevention order), a restraining order and being placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register - will protect his victim and the public from his predatory behaviour. My thoughts remain with the victim-survivor and their family as they continue to come to terms with what happened, and I hope they will find solace in this sentence.
“They and their family have displayed incredible character, finding the strength and courage to report what happened and I trust today’s sentence reassures them they are believed, their voice has been heard and that justice will now be served.”
CAVA Detective Chief Inspector Matt Murphy-King added: “This was a distressing case involving a vulnerable young victim, and my officers were absolutely determined to seek justice for them. I welcome today’s outcome at court and would repeat my assurance that anyone who has experienced sexual abuse - no matter how long ago it may have taken place - can report to Cleveland Police in confidence.
“We have specially trained officers who will support victims from the moment of reporting, throughout enquiries and to the conclusion of any court process.”