DPP's husband stabbed by muggers

The husband of the Director of Public Prosecutions was stabbed yesterday during a mugging near his home in north London.

John Mills, 56, the husband of Barbara Mills, was knifed in the stomach by a gang of 15- and 16-year-old youths as he walked in Albert Street near Regent's Park. Mr Mills managed to stagger to his house and his wife called an ambulance. A passer-by saw a gang of young men wearing scarves and baseball caps attack Mr Mills in an attempt to get his wallet before stabbing him in the stomach.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said last night: "He was assaulted and robbed as he walked in the street. A witness alerted police that a middle-aged man had been assaulted by a gang of youths."

Mr Mills was taken to the Royal Free Hospital in north London where he underwent surgery for his wounds. He is said to be conscious and in a stable condition. His wife, who was described as "shocked and worried", was at his bedside.

Eight youths were last night being questioned at various police stations across north London. A knife and Mr Mills' wallet have been recovered.

Barbara and John Mills met at Oxford University. Married in 1962, they have four children.

Mr Mills made headlines in 1987 when he was sacked as deputy director of the London Docklands Development Corporation.

In 1986 one of his companies was fined, after trading standards officers discovered jewellery it was selling as gold-plated was actually brass.

Barbara Mills became Director of Public Prosecutions in April 1992, following the resignation of Sir Allan Green.

Soon afterwards, Mrs Mills, who had headed the Serious Fraud Office, came under fire over the failure to prosecute any of the West Midlands crime squad, and for not taking up an offer by Lord Taylor, the Lord Chief Justice, to give evidence in the Judith Ward trial.