Scott Mills sacked amid renewed scrutiny over historic sexual offence allegations connected to a police inquiry
The BBC’s decision to dismiss Scott Mills is connected to a 2016 police investigation into “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy. Mills was questioned by police under caution, but the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence. However, the Mirror understands the dismissal is related to this individual.
Tonight a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “In December 2016, the Met began an investigation following a referral from another police force. The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy. These were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000. As part of these inquiries, a man who was in his 40s at the time of the interview was questioned by police under caution in July 2018. A full file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who determined the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Following this advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019.”
The claims related to when Mills joined BBC Radio 1, and it’s not known if the BBC were informed of the investigation at the time. A source close to the BBC said they acted “quickly and decisively” last week following a complaint. The BBC is understood to have updated the complainant following Mills’ dismissal and is in contact with them.
The Mirror broke the news of the star presenter’s dismissal on Monday morning shortly before BBC staff were informed by email. They were left “shell-shocked” by Mills’ departure, and there were “audible” gasps in the newsroom. This comes as the 53-year-old was taken off air last Wednesday following the unnamed person’s complaint while the BBC urgently assessed the information.
Technology & Business Editor
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