Former PSNI officer jailed for child sex offence after victim speaks out years later

Ryan McKenna, 43

A former Police Service of Northern Ireland officer has been jailed after admitting a child sex offence committed against a girl when she was just 10 years old.

Ryan McKenna, 43, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court on Tuesday, June 30, for one count of gross indecency towards a child following an investigation by the PSNI’s Professional Standards Department.

The court heard that the offence came to light in June 2020 when the victim, by then an adult, reported the abuse she suffered as a child.

McKenna was sentenced to 12 months in custody followed by 12 months on probation.

He was also made subject to a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order and will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Former officer dismissed following investigation

Police confirmed McKenna was not a serving officer at the time the offence was committed.

Following the report made in 2020, he was immediately suspended from duties while an investigation was carried out.

The PSNI said a “swift internal investigation” by its Professional Standards Department ultimately resulted in McKenna no longer being a serving police officer, having been dismissed from the service.

The case represents one of the most serious forms of misconduct involving a former member of the police service and has again highlighted the willingness of investigators to pursue historic child abuse allegations, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.

Police praise victim’s courage in coming forward

Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan described child sexual abuse as one of the most devastating crimes committed in society and paid tribute to the victim for coming forward.

She 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.”

Victim says being heard and believed has given her hope

In an anonymous statement released following the sentencing, the victim spoke of the lasting impact the abuse had on her life and the importance of finally being heard.

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.”

Historic abuse cases can still lead to justice

The case serves as a reminder that victims of child sexual abuse can report offences regardless of how long ago they took place and that investigations can still result in prosecutions and convictions many years later.

For the woman at the centre of this case, the sentencing marks the end of a long and difficult journey — and, in her own words, the beginning of hope for the future.