A former South Yorkshire Police officer wept in the docks as he was sentenced to prison for initiating a connection with a victim of domestic violence and sending her explicit content.
Liam Mills, 34, had an inappropriate sexual contact with a lady after she reported domestic violence at the Barsnley police station.
The vulnerable woman accused her ex-partner of coercive and controlling behavior, disclosed she struggled with poor self-esteem, and had recently been hospitalized for an overdose.
Soon after, Mills, a married man, began messaging her and had at least two occasions of intercourse with her while he was on duty.
The father also used his business cellphone to transfer sensitive information, including a murder scene video and body-cam footage.
At Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, September 30, Mills wept as a judge told him he had caused “much disgrace” and sentenced him to nine months in prison.
Previously, he pled guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office and one count of data protection violation.
Former South Yorkshire Police officer Liam Mills, 34, was sentenced to nine months in prison for sending obscene material to a victim of domestic violence and engaging in an inappropriate sexual contact with her.
Mills was arrested in September 2021, after concerned colleagues reported him to the Counter Corruption Unit. His mobile phones were seized during a home search.
The analysis of the devices revealed that he had also sent communications to a young woman he met when he responded to a call of concern for her safety during a mental health crisis. Following the investigation, he resigned as a police officer.
In his absence, an expedited misconduct hearing was held, and it was determined that he would have been fired had he not resigned. Additionally.
He has been placed on the prohibited list, meaning he will never again work in law enforcement.
Mills wept as he was sentenced to nine months in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on September 30. (pictured)
Deputy Chief Constable Tim Forber stated, “This is an abhorrent case of a police officer exploiting vulnerable crime victims in need of our assistance and care.” I am satisfied that Mills is now incarcerated, where he belongs.
The behavior of ‘Mills’ was unforgivable, and I can assure you that his fellow officers are just as disgusted by it as the general public. Through an internal report to our Anti-Corruption Unit, Mills’ transgressions became known.
“The vast majority of our officers and employees proudly reflect our core values and are unafraid to do the right thing and report anything that falls below our high standards.” I hope that this case demonstrates that South Yorkshire Police will punish any employee who abuses their position with vigor.
There is no place for those individuals in our force.
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC stated, “You are the architect of this disaster, and you alone are responsible.”
“I have no doubt that, due to your actions, not only have you brought immense humiliation upon yourself, but you have also brought great dishonor onto your family, especially your children.”