Police Officer Jailed for 11 Years for Hotel Room Rape

A former Merseyside Police constable has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for the rape of a woman in a hotel room in 2023. Ryan Theaker, 30, was convicted of rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration.

The victim secretly recorded an 80-minute audio of the assault on her mobile phone, which was played as evidence during the trial at Liverpool Crown Court. She testified that the officer's actions would "always impact my life" and that "people like him have no place in society."

Judge Brian Cummings KC stated that Theaker inflicted "severe psychological harm" on the woman and was largely responsible for her suicide attempt in 2024. The judge also imposed a five-year extended license period, with Theaker required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole.

The court heard that Theaker had limited recollection of the events due to alcohol intoxication. His defense attorney indicated he had begun to reflect on the impact of his behavior and acknowledged it was unacceptable.

Theaker, who resigned from the force in August 2025 ahead of a misconduct hearing, had previously received a commendation in 2020 and was nominated for a bravery award. The misconduct hearing was related to his sharing of "ableist" videos in a WhatsApp group in 2021, which emerged after his phone was seized.

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Karen Jaundrill stated that Theaker's behavior was "in no way representative of the attitude or behaviour of officers and staff at Merseyside Police." She added that the force was "shocked and disgusted by his actions" and that he was "not fit to be a police officer."