Ian Tolmaer

Ian Tolmaer, a 36-year-old probationary police officer from Prescot, Merseyside, has pleaded guilty to raping an 18-year-old woman at his home. The assault occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 20, 2003, after Tolmaer exploited his position of authority by wearing his police uniform to gain the victim's trust.

The victim had been out with her boyfriend in Liverpool city centre when she fell ill. According to her family, Tolmaer approached her, pretending to offer medical help and presenting himself as an on-duty policeman. Her father recounted: 'He came over and she thought he was helping and that he was a policeman. She then had no idea what was going on.' He forced her to return to his house in Scotchbarn Lane, Prescot, where he raped her. The court heard that the victim was almost unconscious during the attack, which Tolmaer filmed and photographed using a digital camera.

At Preston Crown Court on Monday, January 19, 2004, Tolmaer confirmed his personal details and entered a guilty plea. Judge Mr Justice Mackay noted that the victim had been 'put in the hands' of Tolmaer that night. Detectives investigating the case discovered the incriminating images and video on Tolmaer's computer hard drive. Additionally, the computer contained photos of other unconscious or sleeping women downloaded from websites, and an internet history showing visits to sites detailing date rape drugs. His defence counsel, Anthony Eyers, acknowledged: 'It does appear that this is a man who has an interest in date rape drugs.' However, Eyers added that as a police officer, Tolmaer investigated various crimes, which might explain some exposure to such materials.

The judge indicated that a further hearing would take place within the next month to examine expert medical evidence regarding whether the victim had been drugged, as suggested by the video evidence. Tolmaer was remanded in custody, with no bail application made, and sentencing is expected at that subsequent hearing. The victim's family expressed profound devastation, with her father stating: 'This has devastated the whole family. She is having to live what he did and he should never be free.' The victim herself said: 'He has ruined my life.' This case highlights the betrayal of trust by a serving officer, reported by the Liverpool Echo on January 20, 2004.