Disgraced South Yorkshire cop faces criminal misconduct charge over "inappropriate relationship"

Liam Mills (34) admitted two counts of misconduct in a public office and a data protection offence at Sheffield Crown Court last Wednesday.

South Yorkshire Police said former PC Mills’ offending came to light through an internal report to the force’s Counter Corruption Unit by concerned colleagues who had become aware of Mills’ actions.

Mills resigned from the force when his conduct emerged.

An accelerated misconduct hearing also went ahead in his absence and it was found that he would have been dismissed.

Mills, who was based in Barnsley has been placed on the barred list which means he will never work in policing again.

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Forber said: “I am acutely aware of how appalled our communities will rightly be to hear about the offences committed by this former police officer.

“I and colleagues across the whole force are equally appalled.

“There is no place for such behaviour in South Yorkshire Police and when others in Mills’ team became aware of what was happening, they followed the appropriate procedures and made a report to our Counter Corruption Unit.

“Mills was immediately suspended from duties and a thorough investigation took place which uncovered the offending.

“I hope this case demonstrates the force’s commitment to rooting out those who do not reflect the true values of policing and provides assurance that we will always deal with such matters as swiftly and robustly as we possibly can.”

Mills will be sentenced on September 30.