A man who met a woman on a night out, plied her with drink and drugs, and then raped her in a car park has been jailed for seven and a half years.
Predatory acts
Connor Ratcliffe, 30, of Yates Avenue in Rugby, approached the woman in her 20s while she was on a night out in Warwick on Friday, July 21, 2023. He gave her drinks and a class A drug – cocaine.
The judge described his actions as a 'sequence of predatory acts' that culminated in the rape in a secluded car park.
Arrest and conviction
Ratcliffe was arrested and initially denied two counts of rape and supplying a controlled drug. However, he changed his plea to guilty at a hearing in March.
On Thursday, April 23, he was sentenced to seven and a half years for rape and six months for the drug offence, to run concurrently. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
Victim's bravery praised
Detective Constable Sacha Bury said: 'This has been very traumatic for the victim who has shown immense bravery since the outset. Her life has been hugely impacted by what happened. But I hope knowing Ratcliffe is now behind bars will provide some comfort as she tries to come to terms with it all.'
She added: 'I hope his conviction also reassures other victims of sexual offences and gives them the confidence to report their ordeal knowing they will be listened to and supported. We will always investigate and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.'
Support for victims
Warwickshire Police has a list of agencies to help victims of rape and sexual assault. A force spokesperson said: 'Anyone who has been the victim of a rape or a sexual offence is encouraged to report the incident to police, where specially trained officers will help victims with care and sensitivity, and will work to get the right result for them with their wishes in mind. Alternatively, there are many agencies you can approach – including Safeline – who offer information, guidance and other support.'
