A former PSNI officer has been jailed for gross indecency towards a child, following a report made to police in 2020.
Ryan McKenna, 43, whose address was given as c/o PSNI Brooklyn, Knock Road, Belfast, appeared before Dungannon Crown Court today (Tuesday), June 30.
He was sentenced to 12 months in custody, followed by 12 months on probation, for one count of gross indecency towards a child. He will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for five years and will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.
The offending relates to the abuse of a girl who was 10 years old at the time. In June 2020, the now adult woman reported the abuse to police. McKenna, who was then a serving officer, was immediately suspended from duties while an investigation was launched.
A swift internal investigation by the PSNI’s Professional Standards Department followed, and McKenna was subsequently dismissed from the service. Police have stressed that he was not a serving officer at the time the offences were committed.
Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan said: “Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrendous crimes committed in our society. To rob a child of their innocence at such a young age is diabolical.
“I want to acknowledge the bravery of the woman who came forward in this case, who today has proved that the passage of time has no bearing on justice.
“We have demonstrated again today, that there is no room in our Police Service for people who commit any wrongdoing. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, if you have committed a crime we will investigate you and bring you before the courts.”
The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, released an anonymous statement following today’s sentencing.
She said: “No child should ever experience what I did. If speaking out protects even one child, then it was worth the pain and hurt I’ve endured. I am exhausted and whilst the impact of what happened will stay with me for the rest of my life, being heard and believed matters to me. Receiving justice for what was done to me has given me hope for the future.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. I could not have survived this process alone. Thank you to the PSNI, PPS and justice system for allowing my voice to be heard.”
