Former Suffolk police officer sentenced for misconduct
He'll spend the next 10 months in prison.
A man from Ipswich has been jailed for two counts of misconduct in a public office whilst he was serving as a Suffolk police officer.
Ryan Althorpe, of Ipswich, was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment yesterday (Wednesday 11 September) at Ipswich Crown Court, after being found guilty by a jury on both counts after a five-day trial earlier this year.
The offences took place between 16 November 2020 and 3 December 2020 when the 33-year-old was a temporary sergeant based at Woodbridge in the Safer Neighbourhood Team.
The charges were attempting to engage a female into sexually inappropriate conversation with a view to engaging in sexual activity with that person and wilful neglect to record her disclosure of a non-recent rape allegation.
Ipswich Crown Court heard how Althorpe, who pleaded not guilty to both offences, received private disclosure via social media on Facebook of an alleged non-recent rape by the complainant, a woman aged in her 30s.
The messages began on 16 November 2020 and despite the conversation being initially positive, the tone quickly changed and he proceeded to communicate explicit sexual comments towards the complainant via private messaging on Facebook whilst discussing the rape allegation.
The court heard how Althorpe repeatedly requested video calls, phone calls and photo exchanges. The final message took place on 3 December 2020. The victim then subsequently confided to someone she knew and she then reported it to police.
Althorpe was suspended from all duties and operational duties as a police officer in September 2021 once the allegations came to light and he resigned from Suffolk Constabulary from his role as a police officer in June 2022.
He also failed to record the victim’s report of rape that took place in November 2019 – the second misconduct in a public office charge he was facing.
Althorpe was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment for each offence, with the prison terms to be served concurrently.
Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones said: “This was a flagrant abuse of trust. The victim was vulnerable and quite rightly reached out for help and support. He held a position of trust that he completely exploited.
“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 thoroughly investigate any allegations of criminal conduct by its employees.
"All 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.”