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Ipswich man sentenced to 21 years for sexual offences

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David Miller, 44, of Ipswich, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after being found guilty of 16 sexual offences involving three children, spanning from 2002 to 2019.

The sentencing occurred at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, June 20, following a nine-day trial in which Miller had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict on Friday, May 14, convicting Miller of 16 offences. These offences include two counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, seven counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of sexual activity with a child. The crimes involved three children and occurred between December 2002 and December 2019.

Headshot of David Miller
David Miller, 44, of Ipswich, was sentenced to 21 years in prison after being found guilty of 16 sexual offences involving three children.Suffolk Constabulary

Miller was first arrested in October 2020, and after a detailed investigation, he was charged in October 2022. He had targeted vulnerable adult women with the intent to abuse their children, all of whom were boys.

Investigating officer DC Michael Florey commended the victims and witnesses for their courage in supporting the investigation, stating, "Without their support, Miller would be free to continue abusing young boys." He noted that the public gallery was full throughout the trial, including the family from a 2002 trial where Miller was acquitted.

DC Florey acknowledged the distress experienced by the victims and their families during the trial due to Miller's not-guilty plea, which necessitated a week of extremely distressing evidence. He hoped the sentencing would provide some closure for the victims and allow them to move forward with their lives.

Suffolk Police emphasized their commitment to investigating allegations of sexual assault, whether recent or historical and to providing comprehensive support to victims during the investigative process. The Suffolk Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which includes police, county council, education, and health services, collaborates to address harm, abuse, and neglect risks.

Concerned individuals are urged to contact Customer First at 0808 800 4005 if there is an immediate risk to a child's safety or to call the police on 999 in an emergency. Referrals regarding potential abuse or neglect can be made through the Suffolk Children and Young People's Portal.

For more information on child abuse reporting and advice, visit the Suffolk Constabulary's website.

Additional details are available on the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership children's website at https://www.suffolksp.org.uk/concerned/.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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