Fake taxi predator guilty of kidnap and multiple rapes after targeting vulnerable women
- Perry Richardson
- May 29
- 3 min read
A London man who posed as a taxi driver to target vulnerable women has been found guilty of multiple rape, kidnap and sexual assault offences following a trial at Inner London Crown Court.
Ruckling Ramsay, 61, was convicted on Thursday 21 May after a jury took less than two hours to return guilty verdicts on all counts. He was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on 15 July.
The court heard how, in the early hours of 3 July 2022, Ramsay drove around Brighton city centre in a silver Mercedes searching for potential victims. He picked up a vulnerable 19-year-old woman before pressuring her to sniff white powder on three occasions.
What followed was described as a four-hour ordeal during which the victim was driven to various locations, including Shoreham Power Station and isolated areas of the South Downs. Prosecutors said she was subjected to multiple rapes and sexual assaults, with one attack carried out at knifepoint.
London man convicted after jury hears evidence from Brighton attack and separate Metropolitan Police investigation
At around 9.30am, the victim managed to send a text message to a friend. The friend tracked her location, followed Ramsay’s vehicle and was able to collect the woman after she escaped. The incident was then reported to Sussex Police.
Investigators traced Ramsay through his vehicle registration number and arrested him. Officers searching the Mercedes recovered condoms, Viagra and lubricant, along with items confirming the victim had been inside the vehicle. Mobile phone evidence showed Ramsay had been driving around Brighton city centre for an extended period before the offences and had searched online for solicitors afterwards.
The Brighton investigation later uncovered further allegations. In January 2024, officers from the Metropolitan Police began investigating a separate report from another woman who alleged Ramsay had abducted her and subjected her to non-consensual sexual acts inside his vehicle, causing significant fear and distress.
Metropolitan Police detectives secured DNA evidence from the victim’s clothing that matched Ramsay, alongside vehicle tracking data placing his car in the vicinity of the offence. The evidence supported the victim’s account and led to additional charges.
Ramsay was ultimately charged with three counts of rape, kidnap and sexual assault by penetration in connection with the Sussex Police case. He also faced charges of kidnap, kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault relating to the Metropolitan Police investigation.
During the trial, jurors also heard live bad character evidence from a woman connected to a similar incident in 2009 in which Ramsay had been identified as the prime suspect. That earlier investigation did not result in criminal charges.
Investigator Sophie Williams said: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the victims in this case, their families, and the witnesses. Without their courage and support, we would not be where we are today.
"Their strength and resilience have been truly remarkable. Thanks to their efforts, a dangerous offender has been removed from our streets."
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said: “Women and girls should be safe to live their lives without falling victim to predatory offenders.
“We understand how important it is to identify vulnerable people in the night-time economy and make sure they are protected.
“In Brighton and across Sussex 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 truly remarkable. Her bravery 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.
“The Met is bearing down on rape offences across London. Arrests and charges for offences involving violence against women and girls have increased by 71 per cent, while the number of rape cases where officers had secured charges have more than doubled over the last year in London.”
