CONNOR RATCLIFFE

MAN WHO DRUGGED AND RAPED WOMAN IN CAR PARK JAILED

A man has been jailed after admitting he drugged and raped a woman in a car park.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was out in Warwick on 21 July 2023 when she was approached by an unknown man, 30-year-old Connor Ratcliffe, Warwickshire Police said.

The force said he plied the woman with drugs and alcohol before carrying out what the judge called "a sequence of predatory acts" that culminated in raping her in a secluded car park.

Ratcliffe appeared at Coventry Crown Court on Thursday and was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for two counts of rape, and a concurrent six month sentence for supplying cocaine.

After initially denying the offences, Ratcliffe, of Yates Avenue, Rugby, changed his plea at a hearing in March.

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Det Con Sacha Bury said the victim had 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 said.

"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."