Rugby man jailed for drugging and sexually assaulting Warwick woman
Connor Ratcliffe's facing more than seven years in prison
A 30-year-old man from Rugby has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after admitting to raping and drugging a woman.
Connor Ratcliffe approached a woman in her 20s while she was out in Warwick on the night of 21st July 2023.
He provided her with drugs and alcohol over the course of the evening before taking her to a secluded car park, where he raped her.
Ratcliffe, of Yates Avenue, was arrested and charged with two counts of rape and supplying a controlled drug of class A, specifically cocaine.
Initially pleading not guilty to the charges, Ratcliffe changed his plea during a hearing in March.
On Thursday, 23rd April, Ratcliffe was sentenced at Coventry Crown Court.
He received seven and a half years for the rape and an additional six months for the drug offence, to run concurrently.
Furthermore, Ratcliffe has been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
Detective Constable Sacha Bury commented on the impact this crime has had on the victim and praised her bravery.
"This has been very traumatic for the victim who has shown immense bravery since the outset," she said.
"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.
"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. We will always investigate and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice."
Victims of rape or sexual offences are encouraged to report the incidents to the police who tell us that specially trained officers are available to support individuals, ensuring care and sensitivity throughout the process. They say that alternatively, support and guidance can be sought from organisations such as Safeline, which offer assistance and information.