Suffolk police ashamed as Ryan Althorpe of Ipswich guilty

Ryan Althorpe, of Meadow Crescent in Ipswich, was found guilty by a jury on two counts following a five-day trial at Ipswich Crown Court. 

One offence took place between November, 16 2020 and December 3, 2020 when the 33-year-old was a temporary sergeant based at Woodbridge in the Safer Neighbourhood Team. 

Althorpe was accused of engaging in sexually inappropriate conversations with an alleged rape victim for the purpose of his sexual gratification, and wilfully neglecting to record a disclosure of rape.

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Althorpe received private disclosure via Facebook of an alleged rape by a victim, a woman aged in her 30s.

The tone of the conversation changed and Althorpe proceeded to communicate explicit sexual comments towards to victim while discussing the allegation, telling the woman she was "sexy and cute" and it would be a shame if she was put off sex because of what she claimed has happened to her. 

When he was interviewed after the woman reported her conversations with him to police, Althorpe produced a pre-prepared statement in which he denied any misconduct and said he had been speaking to her as a friend and not as a police officer.

He was suspended from all duties once the allegations came to light and resigned from his role in June 2022.

The second misconduct Althorpe was charged with was failing to record a victim's report of rape that took place in November 2019. 

He will be sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on September 11 and has been warned he faces a jail term.

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

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Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones, of Suffolk police, said: "This was an appalling abuse of trust by Althorpe - the victim was vulnerable and quite rightly reached out to him for help and support as he held a position of trust that he completely exploited. 

"He showed no respect for the position of authority and trust that the role of a police officer holds and I am ashamed of his actions as he was a serving police officer at the time.

"Public confidence in the police depends on those serving with us demonstrating the highest level of personal standards and professional behaviour and the force will continue to thoroughly investigate any allegations of criminal conduct by its employees.

"It is also really important to make clear any reports of sexual offences are taken extremely seriously and will be dealt with care and sensitivity by police who provide a professional, supportive and empathetic service. 

"The welfare of the victim is of the utmost importance and support is offered at all stages to ensure their needs are met and that the appropriate services are provided."