ANDREW MEIKLE FROM BRIGSLEY CAUGHT IN DISTURBING ONLINE PREDATION SCHEME NEAR LINCOLNSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Brigsley, Andrew Meikle, a 28-year-old man, faced serious criminal charges after attempting to engage in inappropriate and illegal online communications with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl from London. The incident, which took place in October 2016, was ultimately uncovered to involve an undercover police officer posing as the underage girl, highlighting the dangers of online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement.

According to the prosecution, Nick Adlington, during a hearing at Grimsby Crown Court, detailed how Meikle believed he was chatting with a teenage girl from London. The man had initiated contact over the internet, requesting a photograph of the girl in her school uniform. The girl, who was actually an undercover police officer, complied and exchanged images with Meikle. The conversation quickly escalated as Meikle suggested sharing more explicit images and inquired about her clothing, indicating a desire for sexual content.

Meikle went further by sending an intimate photograph of himself and asking the undercover officer, “You like?”—a clear indication of his intent to pursue a sexual relationship. He also requested additional indecent images and even offered to expose himself, actions that demonstrated his predatory intentions. The police intervened on October 31, arresting Meikle and subsequently discovering indecent images of young girls on his devices.

During the court proceedings, Craig Lowe, representing Meikle, explained that his client’s inappropriate behaviour was driven by boredom and loneliness, especially after his wife had expelled him from their home. At the time of his arrest, Meikle was living with his mother. It was also noted that he had no prior criminal convictions, which may have influenced the court’s decision.

Judge David Tremberg addressed Meikle directly, condemning his conduct as deeply inappropriate and disturbing. He emphasized that Meikle’s persistent sexual communication with someone he believed to be a minor was a serious breach of moral and legal boundaries. The judge highlighted the vulnerability of children under 16, stressing that they lack the emotional maturity to understand or consent to such advances. He also acknowledged the police’s role in preventing further harm, stating that their timely intervention likely prevented Meikle from committing more serious offences that could have resulted in lengthy imprisonment.

As a result of his actions, Meikle was sentenced to a six-month prison term, suspended for a period of time, and was ordered to participate in a sex offender treatment programme. Additionally, he received a ten-day rehabilitation order. The court also imposed a seven-year sexual harm prevention order and mandated that he register as a sex offender for the same duration, underscoring the ongoing risk he poses to the community and the importance of monitoring his activities to prevent future offences.