IAN MYCOCK AND SHOCKING CRIMES IN STAFFORD AND STAFFORDSHIRE

A housing association operating in Stafford is now under intense scrutiny following revelations that it employed Ian Mycock, a convicted sex offender, despite his ongoing licence conditions. Mycock, 39 years old, was employed by Homes Plus this past summer, mere months after he was released from prison after serving three and a half years of a seven-year sentence for a serious sexual offence. The situation has sparked outrage among residents and advocates for public safety, raising questions about the vetting processes of the housing provider and the oversight of probation services.

Mycock’s employment was discovered only after a concerned employee of Homes Plus reached out to a tenant, alerting her to the fact that someone was asking about her family. This gesture ultimately uncovered that Mycock had been working in a role that involved supervising maintenance staff, and that he had visited several tenants’ homes in the Stafford area. The tenants alleged that in the course of his duties, Mycock and other staff had accessed their residences, which has made some residents extremely anxious and wary about inviting workers into their homes.

The tenant, Samantha Key, a retail worker from Stafford, has spoken openly about her ordeal and the subsequent distress. She is not seeking anonymity as a victim of sexual assault, having decided to speak out to highlight the gravity of the situation. Ms. Key revealed that Mycock and his partner had spent time at her home in August 2018 with a group of friends. She explained that on the night she awoke to find Mycock sexually assaulting her while her two-year-old son slept nearby, an attack which he carried out in her own residence. Her assault occurred during a visit which her assailant and his partner had made, and she confirmed that after the attack, Mycock was subsequently convicted of rape in 2019. As part of his release conditions, he was prohibited from entering the town of Stone, where Ms. Key lives, and where Homes Plus maintains some of its properties.

In addition to his conviction for rape, records reveal that Mycock also has a past conviction from 2017 for possessing two bags of cocaine valued at approximately £100, which is now spent under the law. Nevertheless, the question remains whether the housing association's recruitment procedures adequately screened for serious criminal pasts, especially given that some roles in their employment process involve contact with vulnerable populations. Some vacancies at Homes Plus require applicants to submit a CV and cover letter online, with some specifying the need for a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check. However, evidence suggests that the company’s website and job portal lack clear policies requiring applicants to disclose unspent convictions or criminal history details.

Officials from Homes Plus have declined to confirm whether they asked Mycock about any criminal record or whether he volunteered this information. It is understood that the Probation Service was aware of his employment and that it was approved by a supervisor, but the protocols for such approval are not foolproof. Probation guidelines advise that supervisors judge whether employment arrangements do not compromise public safety; however, they do not always verify whether offenders have accurately reported their convictions. Moreover, sex offenders, under current legislation, can be legally barred from applying for certain roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults, making the situation even more concerning when an offence like rape is involved.

The incident has led to calls for stricter safeguarding procedures. The housing association states that it has now ceased Mycock’s employment, although it is unclear whether he resigned voluntarily or was dismissed. The company has affirmed that it is enhancing its vetting policies and is committed to conducting thorough checks on all current staff to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.

Les Clarke, the executive director of housing and care at Housing Plus, the parent organization of Homes Plus, issued a statement expressing regret and emphasizing immediate action. He explained that the organization took swift steps to protect residents and staff as soon as the matter was uncovered, offering apologies for any distress caused. Clarke also outlined that the organization intends to extend DBS checks to all staff, including those without prior criminal record screening, and to conduct retrospective checks on existing employees.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman commented that offenders on licence are subjected to comprehensive risk assessments before being permitted to work and must adhere to strict licence conditions, which, if violated, can result in their imprisonment. Nonetheless, critics argue that current safeguards rely heavily on the offender’s honesty when disclosing their history, and that more rigorous verification processes are needed.

Residents and victims alike have expressed outrage at the apparent lapses in safety protocols. Ms. Key said she was disheartened by what she perceives as a failure on the part of both the housing provider and probation authorities, questioning why proper checks were not enforced or conducted. She voiced concern about the potential danger to other tenants and the welfare of staff who may have unknowingly worked alongside a convicted rapist. As of now, it remains unclear if Mycock remains under any form of supervision or if additional legal or safety measures have been implemented.

This case underscores the importance of stringent employment screening and effective coordination between housing agencies and probation services to safeguard vulnerable individuals and prevent similar incidents in the future.