Police Detective Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Colleagues

A police detective, Richard Mills, was convicted of sexually assaulting two female colleagues, with one victim describing him in court as “a dirty pervert.” Mills, a Detective Sergeant for Greater Manchester Police (GMP), was unanimously found guilty of two charges by a jury of four women and seven men at Liverpool Crown Court. The married father-of-two became tearful when the verdicts were delivered, then collapsed into a chair in the dock, holding his head in his hands. The 41-year-old was acquitted of two additional sexual assault charges involving the first victim, as well as a comparable charge concerning a third woman. The jury reached their decisions after deliberating for just under eight hours. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated that Mills has been suspended from the force since March 2023, and an “accelerated misconduct hearing will be scheduled to hold him accountable for his behaviour.” Earlier, Judge David Swinnerton informed Mills, whose address is Oakley Way in Wardle, Rochdale: “I am going to adjourn for a pre-sentence report and I am going to consider all options.” Mills had pleaded not guilty to all five charges throughout the two-week trial. The initial victim, who characterized him as “a dirty pervert,” testified in court that he placed her hand on his crotch as she drove him to visit an ill colleague. The second victim recounted a comparable event, detailing how he positioned her hand on his groin while they were seated together at a seminar. He was acquitted of three additional assault charges – two pertaining to the first victim and one against a third colleague. Robert Dudley, the prosecutor, had informed the jury that the incidents occurred between 2014 and the summer of 2022. Mills remains on bail pending his sentencing, scheduled for 7 February. GMP reported that the initial internal complaint regarding Mills was lodged in 2016, leading detectives to launch an inquiry. The police force further stated: “In March 2023, DS Mills made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature in an open working environment within the earshot of several colleagues, sparking numerous complaints, and gaining the attention of our Professional Standards Directorate.” “Amid this widespread offence, a police officer came forward to disclose DS Mills had sexually assaulted her in 2020.” He was suspended from the force in March 2023 and subsequently charged that July. Detective Chief Inspector Iqbal Ahmed commented: “Our investigation uncovered alarming circumstances whereby Mills preyed on women in the workplace who were just trying to do their jobs.” “Mills is now a convicted sex offender, and while we are aware any outcome won’t undo distress Mills caused, it is our hope today’s result may provide a sense of closure to anyone affected by him.” For further engagement, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.