‘Depraved’ rapist and girlfriend locked up for abusing schoolgirls
A ‘DEVIOUS and depraved’ paedophile targeted and abused two girls – and encouraged his girlfriend to get involved.
John Mills, 38, and Tiffany Eccles, 27, have both been jailed for their part in a vile catalogue of child sex offences.
Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard that the first victim reported the abuse at school after becoming upset, and disclosed that Mills, from Bury, had raped her in ‘various forms’ and sexually assaulted her over the course of five years.
She said that she was under 10 years old when the abuse began, and said she knew it was wrong but was too young to realise how serious the offending was.
Prosecutor Jon Close explained a number of incidents in which the girl was sexually assaulted, including while on a camping trip.
Over the course of five years, Mills continually abused the girl and raped her five times, the court heard
Then, during an evening at his flat with Eccles, also from Bury, he told the girl he wanted to ‘have some fun’ and encouraged her to get involved in a ‘sex game’ with himself, Eccles and another young girl.
“The victim described them all to be naked playing spin the bottle and said to do things while the others watched. “They went on to perform sexual acts in front of them and encouraged them to watch while they had sexual intercourse,” the prosecutor said. Following the reporting of the abuse, a second victim came forward to report Mills and Eccles’ abuse of her. She said he would subject her to sexual abuse and recalled that he wanted her to ‘do things to him.’
The girl was encouraged to perform sex acts on him by both Eccles and Mills.
The court heard a number of victim impact statements, in which both the girls and their mothers described the distress and upset caused by the depraved behaviour.
“I felt unable to report it as I was too scared. They did what they wanted regardless of my feelings,” one of the victims said.
“She [Eccles] was easily convinced to get involved – they are not safe to be on the streets with others.”
The other victim said that all she wants is justice for what happened to her. “I am living proof that although there are disgusting people in the world, you can move past it and overcome what happened.”
Her mother added: “She will have to live with this for the rest of her life. “Her mental health has been affected
and it is all their fault.”
Mills pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape of a child under 13; sexual assault; causing a child to engage in sexual activity and performing sexual activity in front of a child. He was said to have previous convictions for assault and criminal damage.
Eccles admitted multiple counts of inciting a child to perform sexual activity and performing sexual activity in front of a child. She had no previous convictions.
For Mills, Gwen Henshaw said her client suffered with mental ill health throughout his life and said he was ‘extremely remorseful.’
Mitigating for Eccles, Anna Chesnutt said the offending was only ever instigated by Mills, that she had met him when she was ‘barely an adult’ and became ‘isolated and controlled’ by
him. Sentencing, Judge Bernadette Baxter said: “This depraved behaviour was committed over a period of years towards defenceless children. This has impacted their self confidence, their self-esteem, their ability to trust, their mental health and their will to continue living.”
Mills, of Rochdale Old Road, was sentenced to a total of 19 years and three months imprisonment with an extended period of two years on licence. He must serve around 12 years and eight months in prison before he is considered for release by the Parole Board.
Eccles, of Moss Row, was jailed for seven years and two months. Both Mills and Eccles were handed restraining orders against their victims and must sign the Sex Offenders Register, all which will run indefinitely.
She will have to live with this for the rest of her life Victim’s mum