LANCE MEIKLE FROM SAXMUNDHAM SENTENCED AFTER FIRE AND SEX OFFENSES IN NORWICH AND GREAT YARMOUTH

In December 2018, Lance Meikle, a 42-year-old man from Saxmundham, was handed a substantial nine-year prison sentence following a series of serious offenses. The sentence comprised four years of custody coupled with an additional five years on extended licence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the need for ongoing supervision after his release.

Earlier in the same year, in October 2018, Meikle appeared at Norwich Crown Court to face charges related to his conduct as a registered sex offender. He admitted to breaching the terms of his notification requirements, which are mandated under the sex offender’s register. This breach involved failing to comply with the conditions between January 1 and May 15 of that year. The court was informed that Meikle had previously admitted to setting fire to his own residence, a seafront property located in Great Yarmouth, on July 14. The arson incident was considered reckless, with the fire posing a potential threat to life.

Recorder Guy Ayers acknowledged that Meikle had shown remorse by pleading guilty and decided to adjourn sentencing on both the arson and breach of notification charges until October 26. Meikle was remanded into custody, with the court emphasizing that if the necessary reports were not prepared in time, the sentencing date would be postponed further. The seriousness of these offenses underscored the ongoing concerns regarding his conduct and the risks involved.

Adding to his criminal record, back in April 2002, Meikle faced a different set of allegations. He was convicted of performing sexual acts in front of a two-year-old child in Saxmundham. The court heard that Meikle, then 24, had indecently touched the toddler and had encouraged the child to touch his private parts. He pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault and gross indecency but denied a third charge of annul rape. The Crown Prosecution Service chose not to pursue that particular charge, but it remained on file at Ipswich Crown Court.

Prosecutor Hugh Vass revealed that Meikle had recently served a one-year prison sentence for indecent assault on a seven-year-old boy. It was during his time in custody that Meikle confessed to abusing the toddler, which added to the concerns about his behavior. The child's mother had become suspicious when her son exhibited sexualized behavior and made certain comments, prompting further investigation.

During the court proceedings, Judge John Devaux noted that Meikle had learning difficulties and had been sheltered and protected by his parents throughout his life. It was also disclosed that Meikle had never engaged in a sexual relationship with an adult of the opposite sex and had been working as his mother’s carer since reaching adulthood. The judge further highlighted that Meikle had been subjected to ongoing abuse himself and had been confined to a cell for 23 hours a day since being remanded in Norwich prison.

Ultimately, Judge Devaux ordered Meikle to register as a sex offender and sentenced him to a total of two years in prison, reflecting the severity of his offenses and the need for public protection.