Detective convicted of sexually assaulting colleagues following internal investigation
Detective Sergeant Richard Mills of Rochdale has been convicted of two counts of sexual assault following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. The incidents involved a GMP police officer and a staff member, with Mills forcing them to touch his genitals over his trousers. An internal investigation began in 2016, leading to his suspension in March 2023 and charges in July 2023. Mills denied the allegations but was found guilty on December 20, 2024. An accelerated misconduct hearing will follow. GMP's Professional Standards Directorate praised the victims' bravery and emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.
Detective Sergeant Richard Mills, 41, was convicted Friday of two counts of sexual assault against colleagues at Greater Manchester Police following a two-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
The court heard that Mills, born 28 January 1983 and most recently stationed at Rochdale, forced two co-workers to touch his genitals over his clothing - one incident occurring in 2020 against a female officer and another in March 2023 against a member of staff at Nexus House. The latter assault took place after Mills made sexually explicit remarks within earshot of several colleagues, prompting multiple complaints that finally brought his behaviour to the attention of GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate.
An internal investigation begun in 2016 had already moved Mills from Chadderton Police Station to the Crime Coordination Unit, but he continued to offend. He was suspended on 27 March 2023 and charged with five counts of sexual assault on 20 July 2023, denying all allegations during police interview. A jury returned guilty verdicts on two counts today, 20 December 2024; an accelerated misconduct hearing will now be scheduled.
Detective Chief Inspector Iqbal Ahmed praised the victims’ courage, stating: “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.” He added that investigators gathered testimony from 37 officers and staff to build the case, emphasising: “Mills is now a convicted sex offender… we are committed to upholding the highest professional standards.”
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