A FORMER police officer who lives in Bude has pleaded guilty to two counts of corrupt and improper exercise of police powers and privilege.

Owen Mills, 22, was prosecuted after an investigation by the Professional Standards Department of Staffordshire Police, where he worked.

Mr Mills was later charged with corrupt and improper exercise of police powers after incidents involving a personal and sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman and a relationship with a witness he dealt with.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: “Following an investigation by our Professional Standards Department, former officer Owen Mills, pleaded guilty to two counts of corrupt/improper exercise of police powers and privileges by a constable at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday, May 16.

“Mills, 22, of Bude, Cornwall, who worked in the south of the county, was arrested in January 2023 following an investigation by our Professional Standards Department and was immediately suspended.

“The first offence relates to a vulnerable woman who Mills developed a personal and sexual relationship with. The second offence relates to a relationship with a witness he had dealt with in the course of his duties.”

Becky Riggs, deputy chief constable of Staffordshire Police said: “Mills misused his position to engage in inappropriate relationships with people he met through his work, including a vulnerable woman. This is a serious breach of trust and police values. The fact that he admitted the offences showed the strength of the evidence.

“We have done extensive training with our officers about improper and inappropriate relationships and encourage our officers and staff to report such behaviours to Professional Standards Department, including mechanisms to report anonymously.

“The large majority of our officers, staff, and volunteers are professional, dedicated individuals who act with integrity and work hard to keep their communities safe.”

Mr Mills is due to be sentenced at a later date by the court.