Ruckling Ramsay, a 61-year-old man from Wanstead, London, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pretending to be a taxi driver and raping a 19-year-old woman in Brighton. The sentence, handed down at Inner London Crown Court on September 7, includes an additional three years and six months on extended licence.
Attack and escape
Ramsay targeted the vulnerable young woman in Brighton city centre in 2022. After picking her up, he pressured her into sniffing white powder before subjecting her to multiple rapes and sexual assaults. He drove her around areas near Shoreham Power Station and the South Downs.
At around 9:30am, the victim managed to text a friend, who tracked her location and helped her escape. She then reported the incident to Sussex Police, who identified Ramsay through his vehicle's registration number. His phone location data placed him in the Brighton city centre area at the time of the incident.
Charges and conviction
Ramsay faced charges from two separate police investigations. In relation to the Sussex Police investigation, he was charged with three counts of rape, kidnap, and sexual assault by penetration. The Metropolitan Police investigation added charges of kidnap, kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence, and sexual assault.
On May 21, 2026, he was found guilty of all counts at Inner London Crown Court. In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, the court imposed an extended licence period of three years and six months.
Police response and appeal
Detective Constable Kieran Mulvaney of the Metropolitan Police, who worked on the investigation, praised the victim's courage. “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.”
He added: “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.”
Possible other victims
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbet of Sussex Police stated that there may be more women who were targeted by Ramsay. In a similar incident in 2009, Ramsay was a prime suspect, but an investigation was never formally brought to a charge.
Cobbet 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.”
Ramsay, of Osprey Close in Wanstead, is now behind bars, where he will remain for many years to come.
