A former soldier has been convicted of a string of sexual offences against a number of girls and women he recruited into the army.
Edwin Robert Mee, 46, formally of Croydon, was convicted on May 6 at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape, two counts of oral rape and 13 counts of sexual assault against 11 victims.
He will be sentenced on 12 June 2015.
In his role as recruiting sergeant at Mitchum Road Barracks in Croydon, Mee was responsible for the selection and recruitment of men and women applying to join the British Army.
The offences took place between January and September 2011 at the Croydon Barracks as well as the cadet centre in Cheam.
The victims, who were aged between 15 and 25 at the time, were required to meet Mee in connection with their army applications.
In September 2011 an investigation was launched by the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch after they received an allegation of inappropriate conduct against Mee – he was arrested on September 29.
The matter was then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service who in turn passed it to the Metropolitan Police’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command for investigation.
In October 2013 Mee was summonsed for charge.
At court he was convicted of one count of rape, two counts of oral rape and 13 counts of sexual assault.
Detective Inspector Keith Ward, Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “I would like to commend the victims for the courage and patience they have shown throughout this investigation and subsequent trial; not least in the face of being accused of lying.
“Edwin Mee used his rank and status to intimidate and bully women applying to join the army, targeting those he believed would be too scared to report him.
“This case highlights the determination of the Metropolitan Police and Military Police to thoroughly investigate allegations of this nature.
“I would encourage any victim of serious sexual assault to report the matter to police; we have trained specialist officers to deal with your allegations.”
If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The jury was unable to reach a decision on one additional count of rape. The court will sit on May 12 in order to decide whether there will be a retrial.
Picture courtesy of macspite, with thanks
