Stephen McMillan

A Metropolitan Police officer from Aylesbury has been handed a suspended sentence following his admission to serious sexual offences involving indecent images of children. Stephen McMillan, aged 26, appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to four charges related to the creation and distribution of such material.

The court heard that McMillan, residing in Viridian Square, Aylesbury, had filmed a teenage girl engaging in a sexual act with him. This footage, classified as an indecent image of a child, was subsequently sent by McMillan to three of his friends. The incident came to light through an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, McMillan's employer, highlighting the breach of trust by a serving officer.

During the sentencing on 9 June 2016, District Judge Martin Crick imposed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. McMillan was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and to attend a rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days. Additionally, he must pay a victim surcharge of £115 and £85 in costs. As a direct consequence of his offences, McMillan was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years, a measure aimed at protecting the public from further risk.

The case underscores the severe repercussions for law enforcement personnel involved in child sexual exploitation. McMillan, who joined the Metropolitan Police in 2013, was suspended from duty immediately following his arrest. The force has stated that it takes such matters with the utmost seriousness, cooperating fully with the judicial process. No further details on the victim's identity were disclosed to safeguard their privacy, in line with legal protections for minors.

Source: BBC News, published 9 June 2016. Related links include HM Courts & Tribunals Service for official court records.