Ryan Dinnage, a 32-year-old man from Croydon, has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison for raping a woman in her caravan after the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2022. The sentence was handed down at Reading Crown Court on July 30, following a unanimous jury conviction on June 8.
Details of the offence
The incident occurred in the early hours of May 16, 2022, after the final day of the equestrian event. The victim, who had been working at the show, was asleep in her caravan when Dinnage entered it and raped her. Thames Valley Police (TVP) reported that the offence was reported later that same day, leading to Dinnage's arrest the following day.
Dinnage, of Caithness Walk in Croydon, initially denied any sexual activity with the victim during police interviews. However, forensic evidence linked him to the offence, and he later changed his account, claiming the activity was consensual. Detectives also recovered digital evidence from his mobile phone that contradicted his story and placed him near the victim's caravan at the time of the attack.
Legal proceedings and verdict
Dinnage was charged by postal requisition on March 6, 2025, and stood trial at Reading Crown Court. On June 8, 2026, the jury found him guilty of one count of rape. He was acquitted of one count of sexual assault and one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show 2022, which ran from May 13 to May 15, featured appearances by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who toured the grounds in a rare public outing, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, along with their daughter Lady Louise, who participated in a carriage display. The final day included a Platinum Jubilee celebration titled "A Gallop Through History," featuring Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Dame Helen Mirren.
Police statement and victim impact
Investigating officer Detective Constable Arshid Ali expressed satisfaction with the sentence, stating: "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."
Ali also acknowledged the lengthy ordeal for the victim: "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 case highlights the importance of forensic and digital evidence in securing convictions in sexual offence cases. TVP encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to come forward, assuring that reports will be handled sensitively and thoroughly investigated.
