Detective Sergeant Richard Mills (born 28 January 1983) from Rochdale has been convicted of two charges of sexual assault after a two-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Incidents involved offences against a GMP police officer and a staff member.
The Professional Standards Directorate established a robust criminal case after a thorough examination into DS Mills. He initially attracted the attention of our internal investigation team in 2016 subsequent to a referral from a staff member.
Detectives initiated an investigation into claims of sexual assault and gross misconduct, resulting in DS Mills being transferred from Chadderton Police Station to the Crime Coordination Unit at Nexus House.
In March 2023, DS Mills made sexually inappropriate remarks in a public workspace audible to several coworkers, resulting in multiple complaints and attracting the attention of our Professional Standards Directorate.
In light of this pervasive misconduct, a police officer revealed that DS Mills had sexually attacked her in 2020.
In both instances, DS Mills seized his co-worker’s hand and compelled them to make contact with his genitals through his trousers.
DS Mills was suspended from the force on 27th March 2023 and was charged with five counts of sexual assault on 20th July 2023.
During police interview, DS Mills denied the offences and provided no comment when questioned.
After a jury found DS Mill guilty today, 20th December 2024, an accelerated misconduct hearing will be scheduled to hold him accountable for his behaviour.
Detective Chief Inspector Iqbal Ahmed of GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate said: “Our investigation into DS Mills uncovered alarming circumstances, whereby Mills preyed on women in the workplace who were just trying to do their jobs, and sexually assaulted them.
“His brazen actions ultimately led to his downfall, as discussions around inappropriate conduct and sexualised behaviour unearthed criminal offending and provided victims with the courage and readiness to support proceedings. I commend their bravery for coming forward and telling us what happened.
“The workplace should be a safe and inclusive environment and anyone who interferes with this will be dealt with appropriately. Throughout this case, we spoke with 37 officers or staff who worked alongside Mills, gathered testimonies, and significant evidence to support this conviction and upcoming misconduct proceedings.
“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.
“We are committed to upholding the highest professional standards and our dedicated team investigating internal matters are working tenaciously to root out those unworthy of serving the public as part of Greater Manchester Police.”
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