Ryan McKenna, aged 43, has been sentenced today, Tuesday 30 June, at Dungannon Crown Court for one count of gross indecency towards a child.

McKenna was sentenced to 12 months custody and 12 months on probation. He will also be subjected to a five year sexual offences prevention order and will spend 10 years on the sex offender’s register.

McKenna was not a serving police officer at the time his offences were committed. In June 2020 police received a report from a now adult woman who at ten years of age was abused by McKenna. He was immediately suspended from duties pending investigation.

Following a swift internal investigation by the PSNI’s Professional Standards Department, he is no longer a serving officer having been dismissed from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

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 has released an anonymous statement saying: “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.”