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Meakin facing prison weekends

Peter Meakin, Seven’s head of News and Current Affairs, is facing months of weekend prison detention following his sentencing in a NSW Court today.

Meakin, who had pleaded guilty of drink driving, could spend 14 months in periodic weekend lock-ups. He was also found guilty of dangerous driving and lost his license for eight years.

The magistrate said, “The defendant made a deliberate choice to proceed in his vehicle in a manner which he knew forced not one but two police officers off the road in efforts to avoid being pulled over for a random breath test.”

Meakin apologised to his family, his employer and NSW road users. He has lodged an appeal against the sentencing. He was ordered to attend the Parramatta corrections facility on June 16 and to serve periodic detention until August.

Statement to all Seven Staff:

As everyone knows Peter Meakin was today convicted in Manly Local Court on drink driving and dangerous driving charges. There is an appeal pending and nothing should prejudge that.

Peter has during his time at the Network displayed enormous loyalty to the Network and achieved great things which are made clear to all by our leading position in News and public affairs programming. Loyalty is not a one way street. Kerry Stokes (whose reference was tendered in court) and I have expressed our support for Peter and we hope all members of staff will as well.

We do not underestimate the seriousness of the charges in expressing this support. Peter is his own harshest critic. He accepts full responsibility and feels deep contrition especially for the effect on his family.

I hope you will all join with me in showing your support for Peter at this difficult time. Peter himself has always said that we work in the full glare of scrutiny and that the highest standards are expected of us all.

David Leckie

Source: The Age.

One Response

  1. Can’t wait for the next Today Tonight rant about irresponsible drunk drivers – oh, wait, maybe those stories won’t be seen anymore! Oh well, Im sure Ben Fordham at ACA is going to have a field day tonight !!!

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