Merseyside Detective Dismissed for Paying Teen for Sex and Misconduct
Published 7 January 2026
Highlights
- Merseyside Police detective John Rigby was dismissed for paying a 17-year-old boy for sex and unauthorised access to police systems.
- Rigby, 37, pleaded guilty to the charges and is awaiting sentencing at Chester Crown Court on January 16.
- Chief Constable Rob Carden emphasized the severe impact of Rigby's actions on the reputation of UK policing.
- Rigby's name has been added to the College of Policing barred list, preventing future employment in policing roles.
- Rigby's salary was halted upon his remand in custody in November, in accordance with police regulations.
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Rewritten Article
Merseyside Detective Dismissed for Paying Teen for Sex and Misconduct
A Merseyside Police detective has been dismissed following his guilty plea to charges of paying a 17-year-old boy for sex and unauthorised access to police computer systems. Detective Constable John Rigby, 37, from St Helens, is currently in prison on remand and is scheduled for sentencing at Chester Crown Court on January 16.
Misconduct and Legal Proceedings
Rigby was found guilty of paying for the sexual services of a minor, a charge he admitted to in November at Cheshire Magistrates' Court. Despite the boy being above the age of consent, UK law prohibits paying for sexual services from anyone under 18. Additionally, Rigby accessed police intelligence systems without authorization to gather information on two males he was in contact with, performing these searches on three separate occasions in March and April.
Impact on Policing and Dismissal
The misconduct panel, chaired by Chief Constable Rob Carden, concluded that Rigby's actions constituted gross misconduct, leading to his immediate dismissal without notice. Carden remarked, "To pay for sexual services from a child is wholly inconsistent with the values and behaviours that should be demonstrated by a police officer in the 21st century." He further noted the significant damage such actions could inflict on the reputation of policing in the UK.
Rigby's name has been added to the College of Policing barred list, effectively barring him from any future roles within the police force. Det Ch Supt Sarbjit Kaur, head of the professional standards department, confirmed that Rigby's salary was stopped as soon as he was remanded in custody, aligning with police regulations.
Professional Standards and Public Trust
Det Ch Supt Kaur emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust, stating, "We will not allow individuals to damage the good name built up by the vast majority of our officers who do an exemplary job and serve our communities with compassion, integrity, and professionalism."
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Scenario Analysis
As Rigby awaits sentencing, the case underscores the critical importance of ethical conduct within law enforcement. The outcome of his sentencing could set a precedent for handling similar cases of police misconduct in the future. The addition of Rigby to the College of Policing barred list serves as a stern warning to other officers about the consequences of violating professional standards. Moving forward, Merseyside Police and other forces may implement stricter oversight and training to prevent such incidents, aiming to restore public confidence in policing.
A Merseyside Police detective has been dismissed following his guilty plea to charges of paying a 17-year-old boy for sex and unauthorised access to police computer systems. Detective Constable John Rigby, 37, from St Helens, is currently in prison on remand and is scheduled for sentencing at Chester Crown Court on January 16.
Misconduct and Legal Proceedings
Rigby was found guilty of paying for the sexual services of a minor, a charge he admitted to in November at Cheshire Magistrates' Court. Despite the boy being above the age of consent, UK law prohibits paying for sexual services from anyone under 18. Additionally, Rigby accessed police intelligence systems without authorization to gather information on two males he was in contact with, performing these searches on three separate occasions in March and April.
Impact on Policing and Dismissal
The misconduct panel, chaired by Chief Constable Rob Carden, concluded that Rigby's actions constituted gross misconduct, leading to his immediate dismissal without notice. Carden remarked, "To pay for sexual services from a child is wholly inconsistent with the values and behaviours that should be demonstrated by a police officer in the 21st century." He further noted the significant damage such actions could inflict on the reputation of policing in the UK.
Rigby's name has been added to the College of Policing barred list, effectively barring him from any future roles within the police force. Det Ch Supt Sarbjit Kaur, head of the professional standards department, confirmed that Rigby's salary was stopped as soon as he was remanded in custody, aligning with police regulations.
Professional Standards and Public Trust
Det Ch Supt Kaur emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust, stating, "We will not allow individuals to damage the good name built up by the vast majority of our officers who do an exemplary job and serve our communities with compassion, integrity, and professionalism."
What this might mean
As Rigby awaits sentencing, the case underscores the critical importance of ethical conduct within law enforcement. The outcome of his sentencing could set a precedent for handling similar cases of police misconduct in the future. The addition of Rigby to the College of Policing barred list serves as a stern warning to other officers about the consequences of violating professional standards. Moving forward, Merseyside Police and other forces may implement stricter oversight and training to prevent such incidents, aiming to restore public confidence in policing.
