Colchester man jailed for sexually assaulting young girl as she shopped with friends

A man who sexually assaulted a young girl while she was out shopping has been jailed for 16 months.

Richard Mills, 39, approached the girl in a shop in Culver Square, Colchester, on October 28 while she was with two of her friends.

He then sexually assaulted her before fleeing for the exit.

The trio immediately reported him to security staff in the shop and staff were able to clearly identify Mills on CCTV.

Mills was later arrested after a still image of him was circulated to a team of police officers who specialise in managing sexual offenders.

During his police interview, Mills, of Winnock Road in Colchester, admitted to sexually touching the girl and was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday.

“Mills’ extremely concerning behaviour will not be tolerated. These young girls – and specifically the victim – should be able to go shopping on a Saturday afternoon in safety," said Detective Constable Mark Harrington.

“I am encouraged by the sentence given to Mills and I’ll be very blunt about this – he will be monitored incredibly closely when he is released from prison back into the community.

“I truly hope this conviction and sentence helps this young girl, her friends and of course her family to move forward.”

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