A man who raped a woman sleeping in her caravan at the Royal Windsor Horse Show has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison. Ryan Dinnage, 32, from Croydon, was found guilty by a unanimous jury at Reading Crown Court on June 8, 2026, following a trial that heard compelling forensic and digital evidence.
Attack and Arrest
The assault occurred in the early hours of May 16, 2022, when Dinnage crept into the victim’s mobile home at the equestrian event, which was held at Windsor Great Park. The woman, who had been working at the show, reported the incident to police the same day, leading to Dinnage’s arrest the following morning.
During a police interview, Dinnage initially denied any sexual contact with the victim, but later claimed that all sexual activity was consensual. However, forensic evidence and data from his mobile phone, which placed him near the caravan at the time of the attack, contradicted his account.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
The jury deliberated for several hours before returning a guilty verdict on a single charge of rape. The sentencing took place last Thursday, with the judge imposing a custodial term of eight years and six months. Dinnage will also be required to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Detective Constable Arshid Ali of Thames Valley Police expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “I am pleased with the sentence handed down, which reflects the seriousness of this offence. Thames Valley Police takes all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and we remain committed to investigating these offences thoroughly and bringing those responsible to justice.”
Victim’s Courage Acknowledged
DC Ali also praised the victim for her bravery throughout the lengthy legal process, which spanned more than four years. “This has been a long and difficult process for the victim, spanning more than four years. I hope that the sentence handed down provides her with a sense of closure and allows her to begin moving forward with her life. I would like to thank her for the courage and strength she has shown throughout the investigation and court proceedings.”
The Royal Windsor Horse Show, which began on May 13, 2022, was notable for a rare public appearance by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who attended the event shortly before her death. The show is one of the UK’s most prestigious equestrian events, attracting thousands of visitors and competitors each year.
Campaign Against Violence
This case comes amid growing national concern over violence against women. In November 2024, Metro launched “This Is Not Right,” a year-long campaign in partnership with Women’s Aid to address the epidemic of violence against women. The campaign aims to highlight the scale of the issue and provide a platform for survivors to share their stories.
Thames Valley Police encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to come forward, assuring them that all reports are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Support services are available for those affected.
