Posted on the 3rd June 2026 in PHTM News

LONDON MAN WHO POSED AS TAXI DRIVER IN BRIGHTON TO RAPE WOMAN FOUND GUILTY

A man posed as a taxi driver to kidnap and rape a young woman.

In the early hours of Sunday, July 3, 2022, Ruckling Ramsay was driving around Brighton city centre in his silver Mercedes. He picked up a vulnerable, 19-year-old woman and pressured her into sniffing white powder three times.

What followed was a four-hour ordeal of multiple rapes and sexual assaults, as Ramsay drove the victim 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 up the victim when she was able to escape.

The incident was reported to Sussex Police and the victim was given specialist support, while Ramsay was traced through his registration number and arrested.

In his car officers found condoms, Viagra and lubricant, as well as items proving the victim had been in the vehicle. 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.

Ramsay, 61, from Wanstead, London, was released on conditional bail while evidence was gathered to secure a charge.

On January 21, 2024, Met officers began an investigation following a report from another victim.

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's. They also secured vehicle tracking evidence showing the suspect’s car in the vicinity of the offence at the relevant time, further corroborating the victim's statement.

Ramsay was subsequently 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 in 2009, in which Ramsay was the prime suspect, provided live bad character evidence. The 2009 investigation was never formally brought to charge.

Last month, at Inner London Crown Court, a jury took less than two hours to find Ramsay guilty of all counts. He was remanded in custody, to appear at the same court for sentencing on Wednesday, July 15.

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.”

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said: “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.”

 


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