A former Humberside Police officer, Sex Offender Simon Miller, has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison for engaging in sexual relations with a vulnerable lady, constituting a blatant violation of trust.
Former police constable Simon Miller was expected to assist her as part of his responsibilities, instead he “utterly exploited his position of trust” by engaging in a sexual connection with the “vulnerable” woman. He dispatched a telegram to her, purportedly cautioning that no one would credibly believe her if she disclosed the events that transpired, as presented before Hull Crown Court.
Simon Miller, 54, previously acknowledged participating in a sexual connection with a victim, fully aware of its inappropriateness.
He was promptly terminated last year following a misconduct hearing regarding his “unforgivable” attitude. He encountered the woman while on duty during an incident.
Defence attorney Alex Menary stated at a prior hearing that messages were transmitted to the woman, some originating from Simon Miller’s phone and others from Snapchat, along with extensive documentation of these communications and the woman’s replies.
The woman had captured screenshots of several communications. Mr. Menary stated that Simon Miller proceeded to assist the woman and escorted her to a sanctuary. They engaged in sexual intercourse that day.
Simon Miller, from Scunthorpe, arrived in a marked police vehicle to collect her. They returned to the refuge, where she and Miller were present between 2 and 3 PM.
Mr. Menary stated, “During that period, sexual intercourse occurred.” A subsequent message was sent to Simon Miller from the woman expressing gratitude with the words “Thank you.” He responded: “No concerns.”
The woman transmitted a message to him at 4:37 PM stating: “Thanks.” Simon Miller dispatched a message to her later that day. Mr. Menary informed the court that the woman alleged he stated, “If you disclose this to anyone, they will not believe you because you reside in a mental asylum.”
She stated, “I was not in an optimal state at that time.” My mental health was not in an optimal state at that time.
Mr. Menary stated that it would be “rather distressing to hear,” and the woman expressed that it was indeed really upsetting. “I had recently endured a profoundly challenging period,” she stated. Hearing that was really distressing. I was not in an appropriate mental state.
Mr. Menary stated that the lady subsequently sent texts to Miller that appeared to be “very affectionate,” to which she responded: “Given the amount of medication I was taking, I wasn’t thinking clearly.” I find it quite challenging to recall numerous texts.
She asserted that she was “truly wounded” by the asylum letter. Mr. Menary enquired if she was engaging in a relationship with Simon Miller and asserted that she had posed the question: “Can’t I have you?” to which he responded: “No, you can’t.”
Mr. Menary asserted that the woman communicated to Miller in a message: “So you have sexual relations with me once and that is sufficient.” Mr. Menary enquired whether the woman acknowledged her desire for increased interaction with Simon Miller, to which she refuted. “I was not pursuing a relationship,” she asserted.
She acknowledged a prosecution assertion that she was “kind” and “somewhat flirtatious” towards Simon Miller in subsequent communications. “I concur,” she stated.
A spokesperson for Humberside Police previously stated: “Criminal and internal investigations were initiated regarding the actions of former PC Simon Miller following a report of inappropriate conduct and behaviour.
“Simon Miller, located in Scunthorpe, initiated a sexual contact with a vulnerable victim after encountering her while his duty at an event in 2021.
An expedited misconduct hearing occurred in August of the previous year, conducted privately to avoid compromising the continuing criminal investigation following the internal inquiry. The misconduct panel determined that he violated professional conduct standards concerning discreditable behaviour, resulting in his immediate dismissal and inclusion on the College of Policing prohibited list.
Superintendent Andy Maultby, head of professional standards, stated: “Simon Miller has egregiously violated his position of trust and exploited an individual during her time of need.” His reprehensible conduct and behaviour not only violated professional standards but was also entirely condemnable and inexcusable.
I like to commend the woman for her bravery in voicing her opinions. It has facilitated his criminal prosecution, removal from our police service, and inclusion on the College of Policing prohibited list.
We will never tolerate nor allow any abuse of authority within Humberside Police, and we will consistently take action to hold individuals accountable.
We are dedicated to eliminating individuals unfit for a police career, who undermine the integrity and professionalism of the communities we serve. Our communities merit superior service and should possess confidence in law enforcement; we shall do every effort to provide this.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.