CrimeDetective convicted of sexual offences is dismissed

Detective convicted of sexual offences is dismissed

Greater Manchester Police have dismissed detective sergeant Richard Mills and barred him from policing at an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing.
Mills was sentenced to 18 months in prison after he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault by a jury verdict in December last year.
The convictions involved two incidents of forceful sexual touching in 2016 and 2020. In both cases, Mills grabbed his co-worker’s hand and forced them to touch his genitals over his trousers.
His offending occurred when he was based in GMP’s Oldham District and in the Serious Crime Directorate at Nexus House.

Detectives within the Professional Standards Directorate began investigating Mills in 2016 following a report from a member of staff.

He later made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature in an open working environment within earshot of several colleagues, sparking numerous complaints.

Following this incident, 37 police officers or staff who worked alongside Mills, were asked for testimonies, and significant evidence was gathered to support criminal proceedings.

In addition to the offences Mills was convicted, there were numerous other allegations made against him that amounted to breaches of GMP’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour.

Detective superintendent David Jones said: “Our investigation into DS Mills uncovered alarming circumstances, whereby he preyed on women in the workplace who were simply just trying to do their jobs.

“Mills sexually assaulted his colleagues, made inappropriate remarks of a sexual nature, and acted in a disgraceful manner. He abused his position in the force and the trust of his colleagues for his own perverse gratification.

“Mill’s actions continue to have an adverse impact on many of our staff and officers who have been offered specialist support.

“Irrespective of Mills inevitably being dismissed, given he is rightly currently serving a prison sentence as a convicted sex offender, it was important we still hold these proceedings to ensure he is not only dismissed from GMP but also placed on the barred list. Mills will never work in law enforcement again.

“It is our hope today’s outcome provided closure to those who may have been seeking it, as well as reassurance that when allegations are raised, they will be thoroughly investigated and outcomes pursued.

“The actions of Mill’s are reprehensible, and there is no place for him in policing.

“We are committed to upholding the highest professional standards, and our dedicated team investigating internal matters are working tenaciously to root out offenders like Mills, who are interfering with the safety of our workplaces and unworthy of serving the public as part of Greater Manchester Police.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Australian Entrepreneur James Sackl Says Time Is More Valuable Than Saving Dollars

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, June 25, 2026 – Melbourne technology entrepreneur James Sackl has released a new essay challenging the long-standing belief that careful saving is...

BNKer Announces London Expansion

Manchester-based BNKer announces its expansion into London, bringing its pioneering in-building self-storage solution to some of the capital’s most high-density residential developments. MANCHESTER, UK. June...

How investment casting supports long-term industrial performance introduction

Long-term industrial performance depends heavily on the quality, reliability, and consistency of the components used within manufacturing and operational systems. Across industries, including aerospace, energy,...

How hospitality businesses in Manchester are adapting to modern day challenges 

The hospitality industry has always been a fierce one. But in the age of social media, inflated prices, and high demand, running a facility...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Scientists Turning to Unapproved AI as Laboratory Systems Fall Short, Study Finds

LONDON, UK. June 22, 2026 - New research commissioned by Sapio Sciences indicates that unofficial AI use has become commonplace in laboratories. The study...

Why Greater Manchester’s Storm Seasons Are Making Roof Maintenance a Business Priority

Greater Manchester has spent another winter on the wrong end of the weather. The 2025/26 storm season delivered the now-familiar procession of named systems...

The growing demand for specialist providers in group and experience-led travel

Demand for specialist providers in group and experience-led travel is continuing to grow. One reason for this is that travel is increasingly being used...

Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns

Prime minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after months of mounting pressure inside the Labour Party. He confirmed he will remain prime minister until...

More News

How to make sure your business bounces back after a cybersecurity attack

You’ll rarely see a cyber breach coming. In a matter of moments, everything you've built could be put at risk, leaving you to pick up...

Teenager arrested after proactive drug dealing operation in Chorlton

A teenage boy was arrested by South Manchester police following a proactive plain clothes operation to combat drug dealing in the area. Officers headed to...

Fake ‘luxury’ goods worth £3 million found in trading standards raid

More than 5,000 fake luxury goods worth £3.1 million have been uncovered in Bury by trading standards officers. The huge haul was discovered in raids...