Ex-Merseyside Police officer jailed for 11 years for rape and sexual assault
He was also found to have shared ableist videos in a WhatsApp group while serving
A former Merseyside Police officer from Liverpool has been jailed for 11 years after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
Ryan Theaker, 30, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 8th October.
He was found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.
As well as the 11-year prison sentence, Theaker was given a further five years on extended licence.
Misconduct proceedings
Merseyside Police said Theaker's phone was seized as a result of the investigation into the rape and sexual offences, which began in August 2024.
Officers found that on 4th February 2021 and again on 9th March 2021, while he was serving as a Merseyside Police officer, he had circulated two videos in a WhatsApp group.
The force said the videos were ableist in nature and unrelated to the rape and sexual assault investigation.
Theaker resigned from Merseyside Police the day before an accelerated misconduct hearing in August 2025.
At that hearing, he was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour for Discreditable Conduct, Authority, Respect and Courtesy, and Equality and Diversity, in relation to the WhatsApp messages.
The matter was found proven at the level of gross misconduct, and it was determined he would have been dismissed if he had still been serving.
Theaker was also added to the College of Policing Barred List.
Merseyside Police said that, following his criminal conviction for sexual offences, he would also have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he still been a serving officer.
Police response
Detective Sergeant Matthew McGuinness 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."
"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."
Assistant Chief Constable Karen Jaundrill said: "The behaviour for which Theaker has been convicted and sentenced has no place in society, and certainly not within policing."
"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."
"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 said it has an internal campaign called Call It Out, along with the Crimestoppers Internal Integrity Line, to encourage colleagues to report behaviour that does not align with its principles.
The force said members of the public can also use the Crimestoppers Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service on 0800 085 0000. It is a national service, and people can report anonymously or confidentially.
Victim's statement
In her victim personal statement, read out in court, the woman said: "I hope by reporting and bringing this criminal to justice that I have protected a woman from enduring what I have by the hands of him as people like him have no place in society."
"I have been able to do this through the support I have received from my family, friends, investigating officers, supervisors and my counsellor."
"It is true his actions will always impact my life. I'll always be physically and emotionally damaged. He wasn't successful in fully breaking me. Of course, I have to rebuild pieces that he did manage to break but those pieces are so much stronger than before. I am not afraid."
How to get support
Merseyside Police said anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, or has concerns for someone they know, can call 101 to speak to specially trained officers. In an emergency, always call 999.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Rape and sexual assault can also be reported anonymously through the Merseyside Police website if immediate police assistance is not needed.
Specialist support services are free and available to anyone. You do not need a referral, or to have reported to Merseyside Police, before accessing them.
In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside on 0151 558 1801.
In St Helens and Knowsley, support is provided by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Victim Care Merseyside service.