SHOCKING ABUSE BY MICHAEL RILEY AND JASON MILLAR IN DUNDEE AND WALTON

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Dundee and Walton, two men, Michael Riley and Jason Millar, have been convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young boy. The abuse took place over a period spanning nearly a year, from August 2016 to July 2017, and involved manipulation, blackmail, and the use of illegal substances to control the victim.

Michael Riley, aged 31, and Jason Millar, aged 44, exploited the trust of the boy and his mother, initially appearing as supportive figures who offered guidance and assistance. However, their true intentions were far more sinister. The pair lured the 13-year-old boy into their circle, providing him with alcohol and cocaine, which they used to manipulate and control him. They blackmailed the boy by threatening to reveal compromising images of him, which they claimed to have taken of him snorting cocaine off his own body. This intimidation tactic was designed to silence him and prevent him from seeking help or disclosing the abuse.

The threats extended further, with Riley and Millar warning the boy that social services would remove him from his mother’s care if he ceased to visit them. This emotional blackmail was compounded by their false portrayal of themselves as caring figures, which initially led the boy’s mother to believe they were providing her son with support. Unfortunately, this trust was exploited for their own depraved purposes.

Details of the abuse only came to light after the boy’s mother intervened, stopping her son from visiting the pair. Following her intervention, the extent of the abuse was uncovered, including the discovery of explicit photographs of the boy stored on Riley’s mobile phone. These images served as further evidence of the sexual exploitation he endured.

During the court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, the gravity of the crimes was fully acknowledged. Riley faced a sentence of ten years and nine months in prison, while Millar was sentenced to nine years. It was revealed that Riley was already serving a 22-month sentence for offences related to child abuse images, and he admitted to three charges of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. Millar admitted to two similar charges. Although the initial allegations included accusations of rape, these charges were ultimately dropped.

The court also ordered both men to be registered as sex offenders for life. Additionally, they were subjected to Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and restraining orders, which will remain in effect for 15 years, aiming to protect the community and prevent further offenses. This case highlights the devastating impact of grooming and exploitation, and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children from predators hiding behind false facades of support and friendship.