GARY MILLS FROM LISKEARD AND OKEHAMPTON SENT BACK TO JAIL FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND BREACHING ORDERS

In October 2022, a disturbing case unfolded involving Gary Mills, a convicted child sex offender, who was once again brought before the courts for violating the strict conditions imposed upon him following his previous crimes. Mills, who has a long and troubling history of sexual offenses against minors, was found to have flouted a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that was specifically designed to restrict his contact with children, including his own interactions with a woman and her family in Okehampton.

Gary Mills, aged 58 and residing at Macey’s Terrace in Okehampton, but formerly of Glen Park, Liskeard, had served a 12-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2010 of heinous crimes involving a young girl. His previous conviction stemmed from a horrifying incident where he was caught on a colleague’s phone engaging in oral rape of a nine-year-old girl. Mills was also convicted of sexually assaulting the same child and possessing numerous indecent images and videos of her, which he had made himself. His criminal record includes convictions for violence and burglary, making his case even more alarming.

Following his release from prison in February 2015, Mills moved back to his hometown of Okehampton. Despite the restrictions placed upon him by the court, he quickly resumed contact with a woman who had four children, including two daughters aged ten and twelve. Mills entered into a relationship with her without informing his probation officer or his police offender manager from the public protection unit, thereby breaching the terms of his SHPO. This relationship began in 2018, and Mills was seen spending time with the family, including taking part in outings to a circus, shopping trips, and dining at restaurants, all without revealing his criminal background.

In January 2021, when police officers questioned Mills about his relationship status, he lied about his involvement, denying any connection. It was only seven months later that authorities uncovered the truth, revealing that Mills had been hiding his relationship and contact with the children from the authorities, in direct violation of the court orders designed to protect minors from potential harm.

The breach was taken very seriously by the courts. Mills pleaded guilty to breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and at Exeter Crown Court, Judge David Evans sentenced him to an additional year and four months in prison. The judge emphasized the gravity of Mills’ actions, stating, “You entered a relationship in secrecy from social services and the police with a mother with four children including two girls and spent time in the company of her and her children. Whether or not she knew about your convictions is small beer compared to the fact that you kept it quiet from the authorities. You were flagrantly lying either explicitly or by omission. While your motivation may have been to maintain your relationship with the mother rather than to gain access to the girls, the order was in place to enable the authorities to ensure safeguarding. This was a very persistent breach.”

Prosecutor Mr. Tom Bradnock highlighted that Mills had met the mother after his release in February 2015 and had subsequently engaged in a relationship that involved family outings, including visits to the circus and meals out. The court was reminded that Mills was under strict legal obligations to inform his offender manager and social services about any contact with children or relationships with mothers of underage girls, yet he deliberately concealed this information.

Gary Mills’ criminal history is extensive. His initial conviction in 2010 was the result of a work colleague at a Cornwall-based double glazing firm discovering Mills watching and possessing indecent images of young girls, including the victim. Mills had groomed the young girl by asking her to be his girlfriend, giving her money, and purchasing underwear for her. The police investigation was triggered when the colleague, Anthony Pearce, saw Mills showing indecent images during his induction at work. Pearce reported Mills to the authorities, leading to the seizure of Mills’ phones and computers, where further evidence was uncovered.

During the 2010 court proceedings, Mills admitted to two counts of raping a child, one count of sexual assault of a child, and multiple counts of possessing and making indecent images. One count of rape was ordered to lie on file, as Mills denied that charge. The images found included those of his victim and other young girls, illustrating the extent of his offending. The court heard that Mills had a history of violence and burglary, adding to the concern about his ongoing risk to the public.

Judge Christopher Elwen, who presided over Mills’ 2010 sentencing, described his crimes as “grave” and emphasized the importance of public protection. Mills was sentenced to 12 years in prison, placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and disqualified from working with children. Additionally, he was subjected to an indefinite Sex Offenders Prevention Order. The judge also commended Anthony Pearce for his courageous actions in reporting Mills, awarding him £500 for his bravery. The case underscored the importance of vigilance and the role of ordinary citizens in safeguarding vulnerable children from predators like Gary Mills.