Ryan Ballard

Constable Ryan Ballard, a 51-year-old police officer from Selkirk, was exposed for his depraved online behaviour in a case that shocked the force. Despite being a highly-regarded officer with no children, Ballard created a false online profile claiming to be a bisexual, married man from Scotland with two sons aged 11 and 15, and a daughter aged nine. Between 15 May and 29 August 2018, he engaged in explicit chats in an online room with an undercover officer from England, detailing inappropriate and sexual behaviour towards the fictitious girl.

The undercover officer reported the matter to Police Scotland, leading to Ballard's suspension. At Selkirk Sheriff Court in January 2019, Ballard pleaded guilty to sending offensive and sexually explicit messages. The court heard how he boasted of sexual activity with his 'daughter', revealing a disturbing fantasy that belied his public persona as a dedicated constable.

Sheriff David Bicket imposed a 12-month community payback order and placed Ballard on the sex offenders’ register for one year. Colleagues expressed shock at the revelation, as Ballard had been seen as a pillar of the community. This case, reported by the Daily Record on 27 May 2019, highlighted the hidden dangers within trusted institutions like Police Scotland.