Former Merseyside Police Officer Jailed for 11 Years for Rape and Sexual Assault
A former Merseyside Police officer has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of rape and sexual assault, in a case that has prompted senior police officers to condemn his actions and reaffirm their commitment to removing those who abuse their positions of trust.
Ryan Theaker, 30, from Liverpool, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Thursday 8 October 2026, after being found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.
Theaker, who previously served as a police constable with Merseyside Police, received an 11 year prison sentence with a further five years on licence.
The victim was known to the former officer.
Investigation Began in August 2024
The criminal investigation into Theaker began in August 2024 and led to officers seizing his mobile phone.
During the examination of the device, investigators discovered that Theaker had circulated two offensive videos in a WhatsApp group while serving as a police officer.
The videos, shared on 4 February and 9 March 2021, were discriminatory towards disabled people and were unrelated to the rape and sexual assault investigation.
The discovery prompted a separate investigation by Merseyside Police’s Professional Standards Department.
Theaker resigned from the force in August 2025, just one day before an accelerated misconduct hearing.
At that hearing, he was found to have breached professional standards relating to discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy, and equality and diversity.
His behaviour was determined to amount to gross misconduct, and the hearing concluded that he would have been dismissed had he remained a serving officer.
He was subsequently placed on the College of Policing Barred List, preventing him from returning to policing.
Merseyside Police has confirmed that his subsequent criminal convictions would also have resulted in his dismissal for gross misconduct had he still been serving.
Detective Praises Victim’s Courage
Detective Sergeant Matthew McGuinness praised the courage and resilience of the victim throughout the investigation and court proceedings.
He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the strength and resilience shown by Theaker’s victim in coming forward, and the dignity and composure she has shown throughout the lengthy investigation and court case.”
“Her victim personal statement shows the ongoing impact Theaker’s offending has had but I hope that today’s sentencing will go some way to helping her to move on with her life.”
“I hope that it will also encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward knowing that they will be listened to and supported by specially trained officers.”
“We know the public will rightly be shocked that these crimes have been committed by a now former police officer, but I want them to be reassured that Merseyside Police remains committed to protecting anyone who has been subjected to violence, sexual abuse or inappropriate behaviour and bringing their abusers to justice.”
Senior Police Officer Condemns Theaker’s Actions
Assistant Chief Constable Karen Jaundrill described Theaker’s behaviour as unacceptable and acknowledged the damage such cases can cause to public confidence in policing.
She said: “The behaviour for which Theaker has been convicted and sentenced has no place in society, and certainly not within policing.”
“I want to be clear that his contemptible behaviour is in no way representative of the attitude or behaviour of officers and staff at Merseyside Police.”
“Theaker’s former colleagues, and the force, have all been left shocked and disgusted by his actions and the long-term impact they have had on his victim.”
“Having the support of the public is essential for us to police Merseyside effectively and we know the impact that cases such as this can have on public confidence”
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“I want our communities to know that we are resolute in our commitment to removing officers and staff who do not adhere to the highest professional standards and behaviour.”
She confirmed that Theaker’s resignation followed an extensive internal investigation into the offensive videos discovered on his phone.
“If he had not resigned, he would have been immediately dismissed.”
“Clearly we now know this man was not fit to be a police officer, and it is right that he is no longer part of the force.”
Merseyside Police Encourages People to Report Abuse
Merseyside Police has reiterated its commitment to tackling corruption, misconduct and abuse within its ranks.
The force operates an internal campaign called Call It Out, which encourages officers and staff to challenge inappropriate behaviour and report concerns through confidential channels.
Members of the public can also report suspected corruption or abuse involving police officers, staff or volunteers through the independent Crimestoppers Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service on 0800 085 0000.
Reports can be made anonymously or confidentially.
Support Available for Victims of Sexual Offences
Merseyside Police is encouraging anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault to seek help and support.
Victims can contact police on 101, where specially trained officers are available to assist. In an emergency, always call 999.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Specialist support is available free of charge, regardless of whether an incident has been reported to police.
In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside on 0151 558 1801.
The service offers confidential advice, emotional support and practical assistance to people affected by sexual violence.
Photo: Merseyside Police
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