‘Fake taxi driver’ jailed for 20 years after kidnapping and raping 19-year-old in Brighton

Police believe there may be more victims of the 61-year-old predator from London and have asked them to come forward

A London man who pretended to be a taxi driver and raped a young woman in Brighton has been jailed for 20 years.

Ruckling Ramsay, 61, from Osprey Close in Wanstead, London, targeted a ‘vulnerable’ 19-year-old woman in 2022 in Brighton city centre. After picking up the woman, he pressured her into ‘sniffing white powder’ before subjecting her to multiple rapes and sexual assaults.

He drove the 19-year-old around Shroehamd Power Station and the South Downs. At around 9.30am, the victim texted a friend, who tracked her location and helped her escape.

Ramsay was traced after the victim reported the incident to Sussex Police, who identified him through his registration number before he was arrested. His phone location data showed he had been in the Brighton city centre area around the time of the incident.

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.

On May 21 2026, he was found guilty of all counts at Inner London Crown Court and, on September 7, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and given an additional three years and six months extended licence.

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.

“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.”

‘There may be more women’

In a similar incident in 2009, Ramsay was a prime suspect, but an investigation was never formally brought to a charge.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbet also stated that there may be more women who had been targeted by Ramsay.

He 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.

“Ruckling Ramsay is now safely behind bars where he will remain for many years to come.”