BBC sacked Scott Mills when ‘compelling new information’ emerged from underage accuser a decade after police investigation
BBC Terminates Scott Mills Following New Evidence from Underage Accuser
Scott Mills, a long-serving BBC radio presenter, was dismissed from his role after ‘compelling’ new evidence surfaced from an underage accuser, according to recent reports. The revelation came a decade after a police investigation into his alleged actions had concluded.
Historical Investigation and Clearing
Mills, 53, had been with the BBC for 27 years before his termination. Previously, he was investigated for serious sexual offences against a boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000 but was ultimately cleared. Hampshire Police noted the allegations were first reported in 2016, with details forwarded to the Metropolitan Police for further inquiry.
The Met confirmed they questioned Mills regarding the claims in 2016, but the Crown Prosecution Service determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed, leading to the case’s closure in 2019.
Timing and Public Reaction
Friends of Mills reported he had been avoiding calls and ‘gone to ground’ following the BBC’s announcement. The corporation cited ‘personal conduct’ as the reason for his dismissal, though questions remain about why he continued broadcasting despite being interviewed under caution between 2018 and 2019.
“I don’t understand. He was investigated by police 10 years ago over alleged offences 25+ years ago, but no action was taken and the case was closed. Now he gets instantly fired over the same thing? The BBC needs to explain why, surely?”
Piers Morgan, TV presenter, voiced his confusion on X, highlighting the inconsistency in the timing of the decision. Media consultant Mark Borkowski added that the BBC should clarify its knowledge of the case to avoid backlash from listeners.
Influence of Recent Documentary
Analysts suggest the timing of Mills’ dismissal may not be coincidental, citing the recent Channel 5 docudrama about ex-BBC newsreader Huw Edwards. The documentary, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, aired last week and detailed the former anchor’s scandal, which involved admitting to three charges of creating indecent images of children. Edwards, who criticized the program in an angry statement to the Mail, was portrayed by Martin Clunes in the series.
A BBC executive in London told the Daily Mail that the timing was seen as ‘not a coincidence,’ with the complaint that led to Mills’ termination reportedly inspired by the Edwards documentary.
Charity and Personal Impact
Neuroblastoma UK, a children’s cancer charity, has also decided to ‘part ways’ with Mills, who had served as a patron since 2021. The charity’s statement noted the decision followed his dismissal.
Friends of Mills are said to have been ‘left totally blindsided’ by the events of the past few days, with many unaware of the sacking or the earlier police investigation until recently. One source described the situation as ‘stressful’ for Mills, who is now facing ‘oblivion’ after his final Radio 2 breakfast show six days prior.
