Rapist pretended to be Brighton cabbie

A sex attacker who pretended to be a taxi driver so he could kidnap and rape a young woman in Brighton has been given a 23-year extended prison sentence.

In the early hours of Sunday 3 July 2022, Ruckling Ramsay was driving around the centre of Brighton in his silver Mercedes.

He picked up a vulnerable 19-year-old woman and pressured her into sniffing white powder.

The woman was then raped and sexually assaulted several times as Ramsay subjected her to a horrific ordeal while driving her around various areas and taking her to places such as Shoreham Power Station and remote locations on the South Downs.

One of the attacks was at knifepoint.

At around 9.30am the victim was able to text a friend, who tracked her location and followed Ramsay’s car before picking up the victim when she was able to escape.

The incident was reported to Sussex Police and the victim was given specialist support while Ramsay was traced through his registration number and arrested.

In his car officers found condoms and lubricant as well as items proving the victim had been in the vehicle.

His phone location data showed he had been prowling the centre of Brighton for some time that evening and had searched for solicitors following the incident.

Ramsay, 61, of Osprey Close, in Wanstead, London, was released on conditional bail while evidence was gathered to secure a charge.

On Sunday 21 January 2024, Metropolitan Police officers began an investigation after a report from another victim in Brixton, south London, which was overwhelmingly similar to the Brighton attack.

Ramsay had abducted her and subjected her to a series of non-consensual sexual acts while in his vehicle, causing significant fear and distress.

The Met Police obtained key evidence through DNA from the victim’s clothing matching the suspect’s. They also secured vehicle tracking evidence showing the suspect’s car in the vicinity of the offence at the relevant time, further corroborating the victim’s statement.

Ramsay was subsequently charged with three counts of rape, kidnap and sexual assault by penetration in relation to the Sussex Police investigation.

He was charged with kidnap, kidnap with the intention to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault in relation to the Metropolitan Police investigation.

During his trial, the victim of a similar incident in 2009, in which Ramsay was the prime suspect, provided live bad character evidence. The 2009 investigation never resulted in a charge being formally brought.

Ramsay was found guilty of all counts at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday 21 May this year and was sentenced by Judge Matthew Boyle on Monday 7 September at the same court.

Ramsay was sentenced to 20 years in prison and given an additional three years and six months on extended licence. He must serve at least 12 years and eight months before he can even be considered for parole.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said: “Women and girls should be safe to live their lives without falling victim to predatory offenders.

“They should not have to fear for their safety when they are simply trying to get home at night and we are doing all we can to make sure they are protected.

“We believe there may be more women who have been targeted by Ramsay. We would encourage them to come forward so we can get them the justice they deserve.

“Ruckling Ramsay is now safely behind bars where he will remain for many years to come.

“In Brighton, we work closely with partners including Night Safety Marshals and licensed venues, with officers and marshals carrying out high-visibility patrols linked to the wider safety network in our towns and cities.

“If you are a victim of crime or feel someone is vulnerable or in danger, please report to officers, security staff or call 999 in an emergency.”

Metropolitan Police Detective Constable Kieran Mulvaney who worked on the investigation said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with the victim, whose courage in coming forward after such a deeply traumatic experience has been remarkable.

“Her report has been central to securing this conviction and ensuring a dangerous offender is held accountable.

“This outcome reflects the determination of our officers to pursue justice, using every piece of evidence available to support the victim and bring the perpetrator before the courts.

“We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to report it – you will be listened to, taken seriously, and supported throughout.

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a top priority for the Met and we are relentlessly focused on bringing offenders to justice and protecting those most vulnerable in our communities.”