A Durham Constabulary student officer who was caught performing a sex act in a car park has been jailed. Ryan Adams had been a student police constable for three months when he drove to a car park in Chester-le-Street in December 2024 and committed a sex act in full view of a couple sitting in their car.
Victims Confronted Adams
The victims confronted Adams and filmed him leaving the scene in his car. Adams then used the force data system to check whether anyone had reported his behaviour. Police traced Adams' vehicle and arrested him later the same night.
Sentencing at Teesside Crown Court
Adams, previously of Langley Moor and now of Manchester, resigned from the force in January 2025. Now the 28-year-old has been jailed at Teesside Crown Court. Adams, who has no previous convictions, was jailed for 15 months for improper use of police powers and received a three month concurrent sentence for outraging public decency.
Victim Impact and Police Response
In a victim impact statement one of the witnesses described the incident as disgusting, adding that she felt shocked and had an empty feeling at the bottom of her stomach when she noticed what was happening and felt sick.
Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen said: "Ryan Adams’ actions represent a serious breach of the trust placed in police officers and fall far below the standards expected of any officer. As soon as we were made aware of the allegations, Adams was arrested and suspended from duty while a thorough investigation was carried out."
"I hope this investigation sends a clear message that Durham Constabulary will not tolerate this behaviour."
