Madison Burgess
Scott Mills has broken his silence after being sacked by the BBC and addressed the previous police investigation into him.
The shock news broke on 30 March that the Radio 2 DJ and presenter, 53, had his contract terminated by the broadcaster following allegations about his 'personal conduct'.
It then emerged that he was questioned in 2018 over historical allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy who was under 16.
The investigation, which began in 2016, was dropped in 2019, as the CPS deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
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The BBC reported that the Metropolitan Police said a man, who was in his 40s at the time of the interview, was investigated over allegations which were reported to have happened between 1997 and 2000.
Now, in his first statement since the sacking, as per Sky News, Mills 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."
The statement continued: "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."
The broadcasting corporation said in their initial statement that 'while we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC'.
Then, earlier today (1 April), the BBC confirmed it knew about the sexual offences investigation in 2017.
But in a statement, a spokesperson clarified that the presenter was sacked after 'new information' about his conduct came to light in recent weeks.
A BBC 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 27 March."
The spokesperson added: "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."
Meanwhile, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a statement: "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 40s 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."
Aged 16, Mills barrages his local radio station Power FM with demos, who eventually offer him a presenting slot in the 1am to 6am graveyard shift.
He becomes the youngest mainstream radio presenter in the UK. Jobs at Bristol’s GWR FM, Manchester’s Piccadilly Key 103 and London’s Heart 106.2 soon follow.
These are the dates the Met Police say the allegations of serious sexual offences made by a teenage boy under the age of 16 against Scott Mills refer to.
Mills joins the BBC, originally broadcasting from 4am to 7am on Radio 1.
After filling in for Sara Cox on maternity leave, he eventually lands his own primetime early evening slot, headlining The Scott Mills Show for the next 18 years.
Mills fronts BBC Three documentary The World's Worst Place To Be Gay?, confronting homophobic preachers and local healers in Uganda.
Mills competes in season 12 of Strictly Come Dancing, and was the fifth to be eliminated.
The Met Police opens an investigation into Scott Mills following a referral by another police force.
The BBC is made aware of an ongoing Met Police inquiry into Mills.
Mills is questioned under caution by the Met Police.
The case against Mills is dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service determines there is not enough evidence to bring charges.
Mills moves to BBC Radio 2 to replace Steve Wright on Steve Wright in the Afternoon. He later replaces Zoe Ball on the breakfast show.
Mills marries radio exec Sam Vaughan, and later that year they win the second series of Celebrity Race Across the World.
A journalist and former BBC presenter contacts the BBC press office after a source tips her off to allegations about inappropriate messages involving Mills. She never receives a response.
The BBC has since apologised, saying in part: "This should have been followed up and we should have asked further questions. We apologise for this and will look into why this did not happen."
Mills is sacked by the BBC after they 'obtained new information' about the presenter.