Married ex-policeman who started sex with vulnerable domestic abuse victim is jailed for 9 months

A former British police officer has been jailed for nine months for starting a relationship with a victim of domestic abuse and sending her explicit content.

Liam Mills, 34, had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a woman after going to Barnsley Police Station to report domestic violence offences, according to Star.

The vulnerable woman accused her former partner of coercive and controlling behavior, revealing she suffered from low self-esteem and was hospitalized for an overdose less than two weeks prior.

Soon after Mills, a married man, began texting her and continued to have sex with her on at least two occasions while on duty, the Star reports.

The father also used his work mobile phone to send confidential documents, including video of a murder scene and body camera footage.

On Friday September 30, Mills wept when a judge told him he had brought ‘great disgrace’ and sentenced him to nine months in jail at Sheffield Crown Court.

He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office and a data protection breach.

Mills was arrested in September 2021, after concerned colleagues made an internal report to the force’s anti-corruption unit. His cell phones were seized during a search of his home.

Scanning the devices revealed he had also texted a young woman he met when he witnessed a report of concern for her safety as she suffered a mental health crisis . He resigned from his post as a police officer following the investigation.

A misconduct hearing was held in his absence and it was concluded that he would have been fired had he not resigned.

He was placed on the banned list, which means he will never work in the police again.

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Forber said: ‘This is an utterly appalling case of a police officer exploiting vulnerable victims of crime who needed our help and support. I am satisfied that Mills is now in jail, where he rightfully belongs.

Mills’ misconduct was unforgivable and I assure you that within the force his colleagues are as sickened by his behavior as members of the public will be. Mills’ offense was revealed by an internal report to our Anti-Corruption Unit.

“The overwhelming majority of our officers and staff proudly reflect our true values ​​and are not afraid to do the right thing and report any issues that do not meet our high standards. I hope this case demonstrates that South Yorkshire Police will deal firmly with any employee who abuses their position.

“There is no place in our force for these people.”

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC said: “You are the architect of this disaster, only you are to blame.”

“I have no doubt that not only have you been brought great shame because of your conduct, but you have also brought great shame upon your family, including your children.”