Man posing as taxi driver sentenced to 20 years for kidnapping and rapes in Brighton

Ruckling Ramsay, 61, of Osprey Close, Wanstead, was sentenced to 20 years in prison with an additional three-year-six-month extended licence after being found guilty of kidnapping, three counts of rape and several sexual assaults. He had posed as a taxi driver, picked up a vulnerable 19-year-old woman in Brighton, forced her to sniff a white powder and subjected her to multiple assaults, one of which involved a knife, while driving her to locations including Shoreham Power Station and remote spots on the South Downs.

The victim escaped after texting a friend, who tracked his car and rescued her. Investigators used the vehicle’s registration, phone-location data and DNA from the victim’s clothing to link Ramsay to the crime and a later, similar assault in Brixton. The case was tried at Inner London Crown Court, where evidence also included condoms and lubricant found in his car. Police officials emphasized the need for women to feel safe and urged any other potential victims to come forward.