RONALD CHESHIRE SENTENCED FOR 1980 MAIDENHEAD RAPE AND KIDNAPPING CASE

In a significant development in the pursuit of justice for past crimes, Ronald Cheshire, a man originally from Thame, has finally been held accountable for a heinous assault that took place over three decades ago in Maidenhead. The case, which had remained unresolved for many years, culminated in a court hearing held on 23 September at Reading Crown Court, where Cheshire was sentenced to serve a total of nine years in prison for the rape he committed. Additionally, he received a six-year sentence for each of two other related offences, with all sentences to run concurrently. The court also mandated that Cheshire be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the remainder of his life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities following his release.

It is noteworthy that Cheshire was already serving time at HMP Bullingdon for a different serious crime—the murder of Rachel Partridge in Bledlow Ridge in 1987. He was convicted of that murder in 1989, which underscores a troubling pattern of violent and predatory behavior. The recent sentencing marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring long-standing offenders to justice, regardless of how much time has passed since their crimes.

Jane Davies, a lawyer representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), emphasized the importance of this case, stating, ‘Ronald Cheshire has not shown any remorse for his crime, despite it stretching back many years, but he has now been brought to justice. The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work closely with the Major Crime Review Team (MCRT) and the Forensic Science Laboratory to ensure that those with a criminal past, no matter how far back it stretches, will be brought before the courts. We are determined to ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve.’

The incident that led to Cheshire’s arrest occurred on 16 May 1980, when two 15-year-old girls were walking along Switchback Road North in Maidenhead. According to reports, Cheshire approached them while driving his car. He attempted to seize both girls, but only succeeded in kidnapping and raping one of them. The other girl managed to escape the attacker’s grasp. The case remained unsolved for many years until new forensic evidence came to light, which ultimately led to Cheshire’s arrest and subsequent charge on 7 April 2010. Following his arrest, Cheshire pleaded guilty on 15 July at Reading Crown Court to one count of rape, one count of kidnap, and one count of false imprisonment.

Detective Superintendent Barry Halliday, who heads the Major Crime Review Team, commented on the case at the time, saying, ‘Cheshire’s guilty plea shows he knew the evidence against him was too strong to dispute. Thames Valley Police remain committed to the careful review and re-investigation of unsolved historic serious sexual assault and homicide cases. Offenders who think they have got away with a crime, years or even decades later, should be aware the MCRT will be doing their utmost to bring them to justice and solve crime.’

This case exemplifies the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies to revisit cold cases and ensure that justice is served, regardless of the passage of time. The community in Maidenhead and Thame can find some measure of closure in the fact that Cheshire has finally been held accountable for his actions, and the justice system continues to prioritize the protection of victims and the apprehension of offenders, no matter how long ago their crimes occurred.