2013: MAN JAILED FOR HAVING SEX WITH GIRL
A 63-year-old man, Eric Melia, has been sentenced to three years in prison after starting a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl he met socially at Lowes Park Golf Club in Bury.Melia developed a friendship with the girl, who is legally protected and cannot be named, and maintained contact for several months.
He eventually arranged to pick her up from Radcliffe so she could visit his residence.
Prosecutor Geoff Whelan stated that during her first visit to Melia’s house on Tottington Road, Bury, the two watched television before he suggested going upstairs.
When they were in his bedroom, he inquired if she had experienced sex before.
After she left the room briefly, she found Melia naked upon her return, and he proceeded to abuse her.
These incidents occurred repeatedly between June and August of the previous year.
The abuse surfaced when her mother became suspicious of her excessive phone use and discovered alarming text messages indicating her ongoing sexual relationship with Melia.
The girl, in her victim impact statement, revealed she had never kissed anyone before Melia and believed she was his girlfriend, feeling special because of the attention.
She also expressed feelings of shame and blamed herself for what happened.
Melia’s defense lawyer, Iain Johnstone, said Melia, a divorced grandfather and carpet fitter, had been struggling with the recent death of his elderly mother.
While acknowledging the misconduct, he claimed Melia did not regret his actions because he cared deeply for the girl.
Judge Peter Davies remarked during sentencing that Melia, aware of her age, intentionally cultivated the relationship through flattery, leading to the abuse he committed.
