JEFFREY MILLAR FROM HARPERHEY CAUGHT IN DISTURBING ONLINE PLOT INVOLVING A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN MANCHESTER

In March 2019, a disturbing case unfolded involving Jeffrey Millar, a 55-year-old man from Harpurhey, who engaged in a sinister online scheme that targeted a minor under the guise of offering free accommodation in exchange for sexual favors. The court heard that Millar, described as a 'sad and lonely man,' posted an advertisement on the classifieds website Craigslist, promising to share his flat rent-free with a female tenant, regardless of race or size. The ad detailed the flat's location, just ten minutes from Manchester city centre, conveniently accessible via major bus and train routes. It described the living space as comprising a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom equipped with both a sink, a bath, and an electric shower. Millar's message indicated that he was willing to negotiate a mutually beneficial arrangement regarding payment for staying in the flat, with the implicit expectation of sexual favors in return for the free accommodation.

In July 2017, a man responded to the ad, not as a child but posing as a 15-year-old girl. This individual, who was not connected to any paedophile hunter groups, became concerned after examining the details of the advert and a Facebook profile under Jeffrey Millar’s name, which claimed he was a coordinator for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. The respondent then engaged Millar in sexually explicit conversations, which reportedly were initiated by the 'girl.' No images were exchanged during these chats. The conversation escalated to Millar suggesting they meet the following day at 10 am in Harpurhey, near the Embassy Club. However, the 'girl' did not show up for the meeting.

Following this failed attempt to meet, the man reported Millar to the authorities. Subsequently, Millar was arrested at his home in November. During the court proceedings, Judge Hilary Manley emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting that Millar had an expectation of receiving sexual favors in exchange for the rent-free accommodation. The judge pointed out that Millar responded to what he believed was a 15-year-old girl, which was a significant concern given the vulnerability of the supposed minor and the grooming implications involved.

Judge Manley stated that Millar should not have responded to the advert and that his agreement to meet the 'girl' was particularly disturbing. She highlighted that this case crossed the threshold into a very serious offence, emphasizing the potential grooming involved and the risk posed to a vulnerable individual. To protect the public, the court ordered Millar to participate in a sexual offenders' treatment program, specifically the Horizon programme. Additionally, he was sentenced to a three-year community order and was subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. Millar, who resides on Beech Mount in Harpurhey, was thus held accountable for his actions, with the court aiming to prevent any future harm to others from similar conduct.