A lawyer caught with indecent images of children is now working for a charity which gives presents to hundreds of kids across the north-east.
Daniel Meakin lost his job at a respected law firm after a stash of child porn was uncovered at his home in Aberdeen.
But less than 12 months after being sentenced for downloading the pictures – some at the most serious level – he is working for the charity behind the north-east’s biggest Christmas appeal, the Giving Tree.
The Press and Journal understands that some workers have reacted furiously to the decision, as the shamed solicitor now has access to thousands of contact details for vulnerable children which the appeal has helped.
The boss of Instant Neighbour – which launched the Giving Tree more than 20 years ago – said that Meakin had proved himself to be an excellent worker.
Last night Kevin Stewart, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, said last night: “Members of the public will be appalled at this situation – and rightly so. I think that more checks need to be carried out when people are applying for positions, whether voluntary or not.”
Meakin secured the paid position earlier this year after carrying out his community service with the charity. It is understood that unhappy workers raised their concerns at a meeting last week.
Sophy Green, the charity’s director, said that Meakin was an “excellent” worker however, and an asset to the team.
“He has developed a number of systems to assist Instant Neighbour to work more effectively and efficiently with some of the poorest people in our community,” she said.
“His work has benefited not only the Giving Tree, but also our expanding Foodbank and furniture and clothing sales.
“Instant Neighbour offers people a second chance to redress their behaviour, give back to society and return to gainful employment.”
Meakin, a former corporate litigation solicitor with Aberdeen-based Aberdein Considine, lost his job after police uncovered 117 indecent images and two videos on his home computer in 2010. Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard he was caught through a probe by Interpol in Luxembourg, after which the house, where he was staying with his parents at the time, was searched and computer equipment seized.
He was put on the sex offenders register, ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and was sentenced to three years on probation.