ROBERT RYAN FROM HUNTINGDON JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

In a significant case that has shocked the local community of Huntingdon and the wider Cambridgeshire area, Robert Ryan, a 48-year-old man residing on Great Northern Street in Huntingdon, has been sentenced to two years in prison following his admission to multiple child-related sex offences. The court proceedings, held at Peterborough Crown Court, culminated on Wednesday, July 31, after Ryan pleaded guilty to the charges during an earlier hearing.

Prosecutor Andrew Howarth outlined the disturbing details of the case, revealing that Ryan, a former detective sergeant with the Metropolitan Police, had a history of working in law enforcement, including responsibilities that involved supervising registered sex offenders. Despite his professional background, Ryan’s criminal conduct was unrelated to his official duties. His arrest in December 2010 was triggered by a report from a 17-year-old girl he had met online. The girl, who had engaged in a sadomasochistic sexual relationship with Ryan and participated in 'age play' where he pretended she was a young girl, became increasingly concerned about his intentions.

According to Mr. Howarth, the girl expressed her worries after Ryan asked her if she could find him a 15-year-old girl for sexual purposes. This request prompted her to report the matter to the police, leading to a search of Ryan’s home in Huntingdon. During the investigation, officers seized two laptops and discovered a collection of indecent images depicting girls believed to be under the age of 16. Further forensic analysis revealed that Ryan had been active on internet chatroom sites as early as 2006, where he solicited others for images of young girls. One chat log from that year involved a girl known only as Katie, who asked, “Are you ok with me being 14?” to which Ryan responded affirmatively. The conversation escalated to explicit exchanges, with webcam use and discussions about meeting for sex.

Ryan’s legal representative, Felicia Davy, argued that her client had shown genuine remorse and was eager to seek help for his issues. She explained that Ryan recognized his addiction to pornography and had been referred to a clinic by his general practitioner. Davy also highlighted that Ryan’s troubled childhood and ongoing psychological struggles contributed to his behavior. Additionally, she noted that Ryan had been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police and was facing financial difficulties.

Judge Nic Madge delivered the sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of Ryan’s offences. He stated, “Making or possessing indecent images is a serious offence which involves the corruption, degradation and infliction of pain on real children. Lives are wrecked as a result. You must be aware of that given your work as a police officer.” The judge condemned Ryan for being “directly responsible for the abuse and ongoing corruption of a girl who you believed to be aged 14,” and underscored the broader societal harm caused by such actions. Ryan was sentenced to two years in prison and was also subject to a five-year sexual offences prevention order, aimed at monitoring and restricting his future conduct to protect the community from potential harm.