RAMSEY RAMSEY FROM NEWTON AND SOUTHPORT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Newton and Southport, Ramsey Ramsey, a 79-year-old man, was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving the grooming and sexual abuse of young girls during the 1980s and 1990s. The conviction came after a detailed and lengthy trial that spanned over twelve days, during which five women bravely testified about their traumatic experiences at the hands of Ramsey.

Ramsey, who resided on Grange Road in Newton, faced a total of 36 charges related to the abuse. These charges included 16 counts of rape, 11 counts of indecent assault, three counts of procuring a child for sexual intercourse, three counts of making indecent images of children, and three counts of indecency with a child under 14. The jury, composed of six men and six women, deliberated for seven hours and thirty-five minutes before reaching a unanimous verdict of guilt on all but one count. The judge, Recorder John Benson QC, directed the jury to find Ramsey not guilty on one count of indecency with a child under 14, as the victim was uncertain whether she was 14 or 15 at the time of the incident.

The court heard that the assaults occurred in multiple locations, including Ramsey's residence in Newton, the Bombay Palace restaurant on Upper Northgate Street where Ramsey was employed as a manager, and in another flat he owned along the Promenade in Southport. Over the course of the trial, the five women who testified described how Ramsey would initially befriend them, offering gifts, food, and alcohol as part of his grooming process. Subsequently, they were taken to his flat in Southport, where the abuse took place. The victims recounted feelings of betrayal and trauma, highlighting the manipulative tactics Ramsey used to exploit their trust.

Throughout the trial, Ramsey maintained his innocence, claiming that he had never engaged in sexual activity with any of the women. He argued that a back injury sustained in 1974 rendered him incapable of sexual arousal, thus denying all allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite his claims, the jury found him guilty based on the evidence presented.

Judge John Benson QC sentenced Ramsey to 14 years in prison for the charges of rape. The judge emphasized that Ramsey had shown no remorse for his actions, criticizing his inflated sense of self-importance and perceived invincibility due to his status and wealth. The judge stated, “Your inflated view of your celebrity status and wealth made you think you were untouchable. Justice has caught up with you because of the bravery of your victims.” Ramsey was ordered to serve a minimum of nine years before being eligible for parole and was also mandated to register as a sex offender for life.

It was also noted that Ramsey died on February 24, 2021, aged 85, while serving his prison sentence. His death marked the end of a long and troubling chapter for the victims and the communities of Newton and Southport, who had been awaiting justice for many years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and support for victims of sexual abuse, and the necessity of holding perpetrators accountable regardless of their age or social standing.