RYAN RAMSBOTTOM FROM RISHTON SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEX OFFENSES IN ACCRINGTON

In August 2019, a disturbing case of sexual predation involving Ryan Ramsbottom, a resident of Rishton, came to light through a series of criminal acts targeting underage girls in the Accrington area. Ramsbottom, aged 32 at the time, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with two underage girls and attempting to manipulate one of their friends into similar conduct, actions that have left lasting scars on the victims.

According to court proceedings, Ramsbottom initially approached one of the victims in Accrington, where he asked her if she would be willing to have sex with him. During this encounter, he also suggested that she could bring friends to his house, implying a willingness to engage in group activities. The court heard that the following day, Ramsbottom, who worked as a pub doorman and was from Rishton, arranged to meet the girl at a local chip shop. From there, he drove her to a secluded spot nearby, where he flattered her by calling her beautiful, attempting to charm her into compliance.

Prosecutor Amanda Johnson detailed that Ramsbottom persisted in asking the girl for sex. When she refused, he allegedly took her hand and threatened to inform a relative that she had 'tried it on' with him, effectively coercing her into performing a sexual act. Ramsbottom then reportedly told her that he would deny any wrongdoing if she reported the incident to the police. Furthermore, he instructed her that if he contacted her again and asked for sex, she should agree to avoid appearing forced, indicating an attempt to manipulate her into future compliance.

In a further attempt to exert control, Ramsbottom told the girl that if she could persuade a friend to have sex with him, he would leave her alone. Subsequently, at a skate park in Accrington, Ramsbottom contacted the girl again, where a friend, who had been drinking, agreed to meet him to stop his harassment. The two girls then went to a nearby Tesco car park, where the friend entered Ramsbottom’s vehicle. Court testimony revealed that Ramsbottom kissed her and engaged in sexual touching all over her body before she left the scene.

Despite these incidents, Ramsbottom’s misconduct did not cease. The court heard that he later visited the first victim’s home before she went to school one morning. She ran into her parents’ bedroom in an attempt to escape, but Ramsbottom followed her, rummaged through her belongings, and ordered her to put on a pair of knickers. When she refused, he wrapped the underwear around her neck and put it in her mouth before engaging in sexual activity with her. Both victims later reported these assaults to their teachers, who then contacted law enforcement authorities.

During police interviews, Ramsbottom denied any sexual activity with the girls, claiming that at the time of the incidents, he was working in Clitheroe or Colne. However, investigators tracked his movements via his mobile phone, and DNA evidence was recovered from a pair of knickers belonging to one of the victims, linking him conclusively to the crimes.

Ramsbottom, whose address was listed as Oak Close, Rishton, pleaded guilty on the day of his trial to engaging in sexual activity with two underage girls. It was also revealed that he had a prior conviction for sex offences dating back to 2002, when he was only 14 years old.

Judge Philip Parry addressed the court, emphasizing the profound impact on the victims. He described Ramsbottom as a 'predatory paedophile' and criticized his refusal to accept responsibility, noting that his account was a 'tissue of lies.' The judge expressed concern over Ramsbottom’s apparent deviant sexual attraction to teenage girls and highlighted the high risk of reoffending.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes, Judge Parry decided against imposing an extended sentence, citing protective factors that would remain in place following the sentence. Ramsbottom was sentenced to nine years in prison and was ordered to serve a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. Additionally, he was mandated to register as a sex offender for life, underscoring the gravity of his offences and the ongoing threat he poses to the community.