ANDREW MEIGH FROM BUCKNALL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE BOY IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Bucknall and the wider Stoke-on-Trent area, Andrew Meigh, aged 27, was sentenced to a significant prison term after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage boy. The incident, which took place in November of the previous year, involved Meigh engaging in inappropriate and unlawful contact with the young victim, leaving the boy in a state of fear and distress, fearing further harm or rape.

Andrew Meigh, who resides on Causeley Road in Bucknall, had previously been convicted of two separate sexual assault offences involving a teenage girl. His criminal history added weight to the severity of his latest conviction. The charges stemmed from an incident where Meigh attempted to rape a schoolboy, an act he vehemently denied. Instead, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of sexual touching of a child under 16, just as his trial was scheduled to commence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in June.

The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of the assault. Prosecutor Nicholas Tatlow described how the incident began with Meigh touching the boy’s private parts through his clothing. The young victim asked Meigh to stop and go away, but Meigh persisted by exposing himself. A struggle ensued, during which Meigh pulled down the boy’s clothing and pressed himself against him. Their encounter was interrupted before further harm could occur.

During the interview, Meigh claimed that the boy had initiated the sexual contact and suggested that the boy had taken the lead in the interaction. However, the court was told that there was no physical injury to the boy, but the psychological impact was undeniable. Judge Paul Glenn emphasized that although the boy was unharmed physically, the emotional and mental scars would likely be profound and long-lasting.

Probation reports indicated that Meigh showed no remorse or empathy for his victim, and it was also revealed that he had been the victim of similar offences in the past. His defense lawyer, Catherine O’Reilly, explained that Meigh suffers from significant speech difficulties resulting from an accident four years prior. She stated that this condition causes him frustration and communication challenges, which could complicate his rehabilitation and engagement with correctional programs.

O’Reilly acknowledged Meigh’s guilty plea and recognized the seriousness of the offence, noting that he would face a substantial custodial sentence. She highlighted the difficulties he would encounter in prison, especially regarding communication and participation in courses.

Judge Glenn expressed his dissatisfaction with Meigh’s late decision to plead guilty, noting that he had ample opportunity to do so before the trial. The judge classified the offence as a level two crime, which typically warrants a sentence between one and four years. However, in this case, he sentenced Meigh to four and a half years in prison, extending the period of licence to match the sentence length. The judge stated that Meigh posed a significant risk to children and qualified as a serious offender, citing the vulnerability of the victim, the use of force, and Meigh’s previous convictions.

Meigh’s time already served in custody—324 days—will be deducted from his sentence. Upon release, he will be subject to an extended licence period of four and a half years. Additionally, he has been banned from engaging in activities involving children and has been disqualified from working with minors indefinitely, aiming to prevent any future harm to vulnerable young individuals in the community.