Wednesday 24 June 2009

Bullied NSW apprentice killed himself

Jun 24, 2009

A teenage apprentice working in NSW committed suicide after his workmates
set him on fire and threatened him with rape, a WorkCover investigation found.

Alec Meikle, 16, was the victim of horrendous bullying while working for state
government rail contractor Downer EDI last year, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Meikle, who died on October 13, revealed much of the abuse to Bathurst
Councillor Warren Aubin, who had been teaching the teenager to drive.

"It was horrible, he had stuff sprayed on him, he was set on fire a couple of
times," Mr Aubin said.

"They poured liquid on him then lit it up and they would stand back and
watch him put it out."

Meikle, who was also threatened with sexual assault, had been receiving
WorkCover compensation for about five months.

The case has prompted a federal government review of workplace bullying
focusing on apprentices and trainees.

The report did not say when the matter was investigated.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can
contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).

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