In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Michael Riley, then 31, and Jason Millar, then 44, were jailed for a combined total of nearly 20 years at Liverpool Crown Court. The couple, who previously lived in Walton before moving to Dundee, admitted to causing a 13-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity.
The investigation established that between August 2016 and July 2017, Riley and Millar abused the child after plying him with cocaine and alcohol. Riley had initially befriended the boy and his mother, who believed the couple were providing “support and guidance.” Instead, the pair used Class A drugs and alcohol to facilitate the abuse and then blackmailed the victim to ensure his silence.
Blackmail and Discovery
The court reported that the couple threatened to tell the boy’s mother he was using drugs and claimed to have photographs of him snorting cocaine. They further “manipulated” the 13-year-old by telling him that social services would remove him from his home if he stopped visiting them.
The abuse was uncovered after the victim’s mother stopped her son from seeing the couple, leading to the disclosure of the incidents. Forensic examination of Riley’s mobile phone recovered indecent, naked pictures of the child.
Sentences and Convictions
For their “depraved” actions in Walton, the offenders were sentenced as follows:
- Michael Riley, 31: Sentenced to 10 years and nine months in prison. At the time of sentencing, he was already serving 22 months for child abuse image offences.
- Jason Millar, 44: Sentenced to nine years in prison.
Both men admitted to multiple charges of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The court reported that the original charges of rape were dropped prior to the final hearing.
Monitoring and Public Protection
For the protection of the public and the survivor, the court imposed the following:
- Sex Offenders Register: Both must sign the register for life.
- Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPO): Imposed for 15 years.
- Restraining Orders: Imposed for 15 years to prevent any contact with the victim.
Riley and Millar are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Merseyside Police and Police Scotland. Their status as “dangerous” predators who used drugs and blackmail to exploit a child remains under “critical” scrutiny. Any breach of their registration or restraining orders will result in their immediate return to Liverpool Crown Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.