Meakin
Meakin (Alan Igbon) is an inmate with a distinctive Mancunian accent who keeps a relatively low profile, and is respected by other inmates. His number is 3318. He stays out of trouble, yet knows how useless the borstal system is (sometimes rebelling against the rules) and demonstrates his annoyance at it, and his high level of intelligence, on numerous occasions.
In the group discussion meeting with the Matron, immediately after Archer's questioning of the notion of trust, Meakin asks whether it is permissible for the Matron, supposedly a mother figure, to address the inmates by their Christian names (forenames), citing that it is their final reminder of any identity they have. When the Matron's answer is negative, Meakin leaves as quickly as possible, refusing to be patronised any further.
He is most remembered for his emotional outburst after learning that his close friend Toyne has committed suicide at Wormwood Scrubs, launching a loud verbal attack at the key borstal staff in the room, ending it famously with an obscene two-fingered gesture and shouting "Up your f***ing borstal!" before walking out, furious at the staff's apathy and incompetence. This leaves the staff, and everyone else in the room, dumbfounded.
In the dining hall riot, Meakin plays a key role, and is seen afterwards heavily beaten and bloody-faced, being dragged unconsciously by Mr Greaves, through the corridor and into a cell.
Quote[]
"TOYNE'S DEAD! HE'S KILLED HIMSELF IN THE SCRUBS! HE'S DEAD! THIS GUY CUTS HIS WRISTS ON A-WING, AND YOU SEND HIM TO THE SCRUBS TO KILL HIMSELF! HE'S DEAD!!!.....UP YOUR F***ING BORSTAL!"
1977 Version[]
Meakin was not featured in the screenplay version, although some of the character's lines were originally given to Betts and a character called 'Sumner', played by Colin Meyer.