LUKE MILLINGTON FROM PENKRIDGE JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS IN STAFFORDSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Penkridge and the wider Staffordshire area, Luke Millington, a 20-year-old man with a background in martial arts, was sentenced earlier this year for serious sexual offences involving underage girls. Despite his reputation as a skilled karate practitioner who once represented England in the sport, Millington’s criminal actions have overshadowed his athletic achievements.

On April 19, at Stafford Crown Court, Millington was handed a sentence of 28 months in a young offender institution after admitting to multiple charges. The court heard that he engaged in sexual activity with a girl who was only 14 years old at the time, while he was 17. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to inciting or causing a child to participate in sexual acts. The gravity of his crimes was emphasized during the proceedings, highlighting the manipulative and predatory nature of his conduct.

Mrs Justice O’Farrell, presiding over the case, detailed the circumstances surrounding the offences. She explained that Millington’s first sexual encounter with the girl occurred when he was 17, and she was just 14. Furthermore, he was found to have pressured two other young girls into sending him explicit photographs of their breasts. The court was told that Millington’s actions were not merely impulsive but involved a degree of planning, which the Crown Court judge initially believed to be significant.

However, the appeal court, consisting of Mrs Justice O’Farrell and two other judges, reviewed the case and disagreed with the initial assessment. They concluded that the acts were more accurately described as isolated, spontaneous incidents rather than carefully planned crimes. The court also noted that each sexual act was initiated by the girls, and Millington’s role was that of a willing participant. Despite this, Mrs Justice O’Farrell emphasized that the girl believed Millington loved her, which led her to trust him and engage in sexual activity. This trust was exploited, as Millington sent numerous messages pressuring her into further sexual acts.

Moreover, the court highlighted that Millington’s misconduct extended beyond the initial victim. He had targeted three underage girls, relentlessly pressuring them through social media and even threatening to disclose the explicit photos they had sent him. His willingness to use threats and manipulation demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior.

The appeal judges ultimately upheld the original sentence, stating that the 28-month detention was not manifestly excessive given the circumstances. They dismissed the application for a reduction in sentence, reaffirming the seriousness of Millington’s crimes and the need for appropriate punishment to reflect the harm caused to the victims.