BBC got ‘new information’ and ‘acted decisively’ in Scott Mills sacking
It was previously reported that Mills was investigated by police in 2018
The BBC received “new information” regarding Scott Mills and “acted decisively” in sacking the BBC Radio 2 presenter this week, the corporation says.
Mills, who hosted BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show, was sacked by the corporation this week (March 30) regarding what was described as “personal conduct”.
It was then reported by BBC News that Mills was questioned by police in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy under the age of 16.
That case was closed in 2019 due to insufficient evidence, and a BBC spokesperson has now said that the sacking of Mills was due to “new information” coming to light.
The spokesperson said: “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 March 27.”
A Metropolitan police spokesperson said of the previous investigation: “In December 2016, the Met began an investigation following a referral from another police force. The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy.
“These were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000. As part of these enquiries, a man who was in his forties at the time of the interview was questioned by police under caution in July 2018.
“A full file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who determined the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Following this advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019.”
Mills was last heard on the radio last Tuesday (March 24) and ended his programme by saying that he would be “back tomorrow”. He was absent the following day and Gary Davies stood in for him, though no reason for his absence was given.