Scott Mills Speaks Out After BBC Axing

Scott Mills has broken his silence after being axed from the BBC following new information on a sexual offence police investigation into him back in 2017. 

Mills, 53, was sacked after 27 years with the corporation - with new revelations he was investigated then cleared over allegations of 'serious sexual offences' against a boy under the age of 16 between 1997 and 2000.

The  admitted it was aware of the investigation into Mills back in 2017 - before sacking him last week following new information.

The DJ and radio presenter broke his silence for the first time tonight, issuing a statement which said: 'The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. 

'An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. 

'As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.' 

He added: 'Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.

'I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.'

Corporation chiefs felt they had 'no choice' but to dismiss Radio 2's flagship morning show host after fresh claims about his alleged conduct.

It comes as concerns were raised by friends he was avoiding phone calls and had 'gone to ground' following Monday's announcement by the BBC.

Hampshire Police said the sexual offences allegations were first reported by a third party in 2016 and that the force logged the details and passed on information to the Metropolitan Police for investigation. 

The t confirmed they questioned Mills over the accusations when reported to them that year, but Prosecution Service found there was not enough evidence and closed the case in 2019.

The BBC has declined to say why he was dismissed other than that it was related to his 'personal conduct' - but faced questions as to why he was kept on air despite reportedly knowing he was interviewed under caution between 2018 and 2019.

Now new information is said to have been passed to the BBC relating to the same alleged victim but different to previous claims. 

A BBC spokesperson has now said in a new statement on Wednesday: 'Scott Mills had a long career across the BBC, he was hugely popular and we know the news this week has come as a shock and surprise to many.

'We also recognise there's been much speculation in the media and online since Monday. We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved.

'What we can confirm is that in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values and terminated his contracts on Friday 27 March.

'The BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards. Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met.

'Separately, we can confirm the BBC was made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation, which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made.

'We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.'