A TEENAGE girl attempted to take an overdose after believing she had become pregnant by an older man, a court has heard.

The girl, who cannot be named, had been targeted by Paul Meaden after a chance meeting. Meaden, 21, has now admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child, and one of engaging in a sexual communication with a child.

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentence.

James Kellam, prosecuting, said the girl had taken an overdose of prescribed medication after fearing she had fallen pregnant.

“Thankfully, the overdose caused her no harm,” he said.

“She was not pregnant. The hospital discharged her the following day.”

Despite the scare, Meaden continued to contact the girl through Instagram. The two also sent each other naked photographs, the court heard.

When the defendant was arrested in Bournemouth, he claimed he was on his way to visit the police station to talk about “that problem”. However, during interview, he answered “no comment” to questions.

Tom Evans, mitigating, said Meaden initially believed the girl was above the age of sexual consent. However, he admitted having sex with the teenager knowing her real age.

“He has expressed remorse for the outcome this has had to [the victim] and the difficulties it has caused,” Mr Evans said.

“He finds it embarrassing to look back at the messages [sent to the victim]. He doesn’t recognise the person in those messages.”

Meaden was “heavily using cannabis” during the time the offences were committed, it was heard.

“He had a troubled upbringing marked by the alcohol abuse of his parents, coupled with living in an extremely tough neighbourhood,” Mr Evans said.

“His father has recently died and his mother is extremely unwell.”

Judge Peter Crabtree OBE said there was an “element of threat” in the messages between Meaden and his victim. Meaden, who now lives in Hedley Road, Twickenham, was sentenced to 20 months in prison suspended for two years. He must comply with a rehabilitation activity requirement, as well as the Thames Valley Sex Offender Programme. In addition, he will be the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.