A man who pretended to be a taxi driver to kidnap and rape a young woman in Brighton has been jailed for 20 years. Ruckling Ramsay, 61, of Osprey Close in Wanstead, London, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Monday, September 7, after being found guilty of all counts on May 21, 2026.
Attack in Brighton
In the early hours of Sunday, July 3, 2022, Ramsay was driving around Brighton city centre in his silver Mercedes when he picked up a vulnerable 19-year-old woman. He pressured her into sniffing white powder, Sussex Police said. The woman was then subjected to multiple rapes and sexual assaults as Ramsay drove her around various areas, including 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 her up when she was able to escape. Officers found condoms and lubricant in his car as well as items proving the victim had been in the vehicle. Ramsay was traced through his registration number and arrested. His phone location data showed he had been prowling Brighton city centre for some time that evening and had searched for solicitors following the incident.
Similar attack in Brixton
On January 21, 2024, Met officers began an investigation following a report from another victim in Brixton, South London, which police said 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, as well as vehicle tracking evidence showing the suspect’s car in the vicinity of the offence at the relevant time.
Ramsay was 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 the trial, the victim of a similar incident back in 2009, in which Ramsay was the prime suspect, provided live bad character evidence. The 2009 investigation was never formally brought to charge.
Sentencing and police appeal
Ramsay was sentenced to 20 years in prison and given an additional three years and six months extended licence. 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.”
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.”
