A former Merseyside Police officer has been convicted of rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration after a recording made by his victim provided compelling evidence of the abuse she experienced.

Ryan Theaker, 30, was found guilty following an 8-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court. During proceedings, jurors heard audio recording made by the victim on her mobile phone, which captured the incident and documented her repeated pleas for the abuse to stop.

The recordings, which totalled approximately 85 minutes, formed a significant part of the prosecution's case. Jurors heard the victim repeatedly tell Theaker to "get off me" while he ignored her wishes and continued his offending behaviour.

During the trial, the victim gave evidence from behind a screen and spoke candidly about the impact the offences had continued to have on her life. Rejecting suggestions that she had fabricated allegations, she told the court that coming forward had been an emotionally difficult process and that she remained affected by what had happened.

Detective Sergeant Matthew McGuinness praised the victim's courage in reporting the offences and assisting the investigation. He stated that it was her bravery in coming forward that enabled police to build a successful case and secure convictions.

Following the verdicts, the court was told that Theaker will be subject to sex offender registration requirements, with the full details to be determined at sentencing. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing.

What compensation options are available to survivors?

Although Theaker was previously employed by Merseyside Police, reports indicate he was not acting as a serving police officer at the time of the offences. On that basis, there does not appear to be a direct civil claim against Merseyside Police force arising from these convictions.

However, this survivor may still be able to pursue compensation through:

• A civil claim directly against the perpetrator; and/or
• An application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), subject to eligibility requirements and time limits.

The CICA scheme can provide compensation to victims of violent crime, including survivors of rape and sexual assault, even where a perpetrator has limited financial means or no assets from which damages could be recovered.

When can police forces be held responsible?

Cases involving police officers can give rise to claims where the abuse is connected to an officer's role.

For example, a police force may face a civil claim where an officer abuses their position of trust, authority or access obtained through their employment. Depending on the circumstances, claims may be brought on the basis of vicarious liability or negligence where the offending is sufficiently connected to the officer's duties. For example, had Ryan Theaker been a serving police officer, on duty, the victim may have been able to make a claim against Merseyside Police, as they could have been held to be vicariously liable for Theaker’s actions.

Abuse of position for sexual purposes remains a significant concern

Recent cases continue to highlight concerns about officers abusing positions of trust to pursue inappropriate or sexual relationships with vulnerable members of the public.

In August 2026, a PSNI officer was dismissed after a Police Ombudsman investigation described his conduct as a "catalogue of corruption". The investigation found that he had used a connection established through his policing role to begin a sexual relationship with a woman he met while carrying out his duties. The Police Ombudsman noted that abuse of position for sexual purposes (APSP) cases account for 36% of the most serious investigations currently being undertaken by the Police Ombudsman’s Office.

Concerns about how such allegations are handled are not limited to one force. A BBC investigation previously found that evidence had been deleted in some misconduct investigations and that, among approximately 500 allegations involving officers accused of abusing their position for sexual purposes, only 24 resulted in criminal charges.

These findings demonstrate both the devastating consequences of abuse by those in positions of public trust and the importance of robust investigations when concerns are raised.

How Switalskis can help

At Switalskis, our specialist abuse lawyers have extensive experience of claims against public bodies, such as the Police, and against perpetrators directly. We understand that such cases can be very emotional for clients and often legally complex, and we are dedicated to providing a supportive and professional environment in which our clients can feel confident in our services. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

If you have been impacted and would like to discuss your experience in confidence, our specialist abuse lawyers can help. Call 0808 258 8041 or email help@switalskis.com