Top cop who paid teen boy for sex is sacked

DETECTIVE IS DUE TO BE SENTENCED FOR CRIMES LATER THIS MONTH

- By PATRICK EDRICH

A SHAMED Merseyside Police detective paid a child for sex.

Detective Constable John Rigby knew the child was aged 16 or 17 but continued to pay him for sexual services on February 13, 2025.

The now former police officer was later charged with the offence and pleaded guilty in November last year. Rigby was also charged with three counts of unauthorised access to the police computer system in relation to different incidents on March 4, March 6 and April 25.

He also pleaded guilty to the computer system offences during the appearance at Chester Magistrates' Court. He was remanded in custody to appear before the crown court due to the severity of the offences. He will be sentenced on January 16.

Rigby appeared before an accelerated misconduct hearing on December 17, chaired by the force's top officer, Chief Constable Rob Carden. It was heard he had breached the standards of professional behaviour on numerous occasions to the level of gross misconduct and was given the sanction of immediate dismissal.

Chief Constable Carden said: "The officer has admitted paying for sexual services from a male child whom he knew to be a male child. Children, particularly those who turn to sex work, are among the most vulnerable in society.