A serving police officer with Merseyside Police has admitted to paying a vulnerable teenage boy for sexual services and illegally accessing confidential information on force systems.
Guilty Plea Entered in Court
John Rigby, 37, of Roby Street in St Helens, entered guilty pleas at Chester Magistrates' Court on November 20. The probationary constable confessed to paying for the sexual services of a boy aged between 16 and 17 years old. He also admitted three separate charges of misusing a computer to secure or enable access to unauthorised data.
Following his plea, Rigby was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday, December 19.
Accelerated Misconduct Hearing Conducted
In light of the criminal convictions, Merseyside Police convened an accelerated misconduct hearing. This hearing, which took place ahead of sentencing, was chaired by the force's Chief Constable, Rob Carden.
The official listing stated that Rigby, a probationer constable, breached professional standards of behaviour on two distinct occasions earlier this year. The first set of breaches occurred between February 13 and June 6, relating directly to the sexual offences.
The force outlined that Rigby breached standards of Authority, Respect and Courtesy by failing to treat the child with respect. He was also found in breach of Discreditable Conduct standards, with the listing stating his actions brought policing nationally into disrepute by paying for the services of a child who was, by definition, vulnerable.
Unauthorised Data Access Charges
The second period of misconduct took place between March 4 and April 25. This related to the three charges of unauthorised computer access.
Merseyside Police stated Rigby breached the standard of Orders and Instructions by failing to adhere to warning signs on force systems and the ICT acceptable use policy. He was also found to have failed in his Duties and Responsibilities as a police officer.
Once more, his actions were deemed Discreditable Conduct, with the force asserting that accessing systems in this manner, resulting in a criminal conviction, acted to discredit the national police service.
The case highlights serious failures by an individual in a position of trust and authority. The outcome of the sentencing hearing at Chester Crown Court is now awaited.
