War veteran accused of raping hopefuls after taking ‘dull job’
A WAR veteran raped army hopefuls after swapping the excitement of the battlefield for a “dull” job as a recruiter, a court has heard.
Sergeant Edwin “Jock” Mee, 46, formerly of Tavistock Road, Croydon, south London, but now living in Scotland, is accused of abusing his power while interviewing applicants by raping and molesting 11 young women who wanted to join the forces.
The alleged victims, who were desperate for jobs, were often new to the country and unaware of their rights, Southwark Crown Court has heard.
Mee, who has served in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, denies 17 counts of sexual assault, three counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration relating to 11 young cadets between October 2010 and September 2011.
In her closing speech to the jury, prosecutor Rosina Cottage QC said Mee believed he was the only “real soldier” at the Mitcham Barracks Army Careers and Information Office in Croydon, south London.
Ms Cottage told jurors: “This case starts and finishes with Sergeant Jock.
“Are you sure that he behaved the way the prosecution said or not – he is right at the centre of it all.
“He, of course, says he didn’t do any of the violating, bullying and humiliating acts alleged against him.
“But there appears to be no good reason, or any reason, why any one of these women would lie – let alone 11 of them.”
“Risk taker” Mee who has fought in war zones across the world found interviewing recruits in Croydon” dull”, Ms Cottage suggested.
The trial continues.