SEXUAL PREDATOR POSED AS TAXI DRIVER BEFORE RAPING MULTIPLE WOMEN
A sexual offender with a history of targeting vulnerable women in Liverpool city centre has been sentenced to 23 years in prison.The man, Amponsah Thompson, used a false identity as a taxi driver to lure women and commit sexual assaults, including rape.
According to reports, Thompson prowled the streets in his Mercedes late at night, looking for intoxicated young women.
The first victim, 18 years old, was out in August 2024 and had been drinking heavily.
She approached his passing vehicle, which was stopped near Alma de Cuba, now St Peter’s Tavern, and inquired if he was a taxi driver.
He lied about his role, leading her to believe he would take her home.
Instead, he drove her to his residence on Rocky Lane in Tuebrook, where he assaulted her in the backseat.
The young woman claimed her family was contacting her and that she had shared her location, prompting Thompson to stop and drive her home.
She later insisted on paying for the ride, enabling police to trace his bank transfers.
Thompson denied pretending to be a taxi driver or physically assaulting her during police interviews, asserting that he only stopped to collect identification.
Following his release on bail as investigations proceeded, Thompson targeted another vulnerable 18-year-old woman in December 2024.
She was intoxicated and separated from her friends when seen being escorted back to his vehicle at around 3:30am.
She later recalled being raped and waking up at his flat before being returned home.
Throughout his crimes in 2025, Thompson raped a third woman multiple times, also subjecting her to violence and threatening her with a knife.
Prosecutors characterised him as manipulative and lacking regard for consent or boundaries.
Though he had no prior convictions, Thompson was previously investigated for an alleged assault on a lap dancer in January 2024, but no charges resulted after her withdrawal.
His defence argued he was of good character and held leave to remain in the UK, suggesting his sentence should be proportionate.
Thompson was convicted of one count of rape and admitted to the sexual assault on the first victim and rape of the third.
The jury found him guilty of one rape charge involving the second victim.
He appeared via video from prison, wearing a white Puma T-shirt.
The judge, Brian Cummings KC, sentenced him to 23 years’ imprisonment plus an eight-year license.
In sentencing, the judge regarded Thompson as dangerous with a high risk of causing harm and mentioned the potential for deportation, a decision for immigration authorities.
He will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before possible parole and must register as a sex offender for life.
