RUGBY RAPIST CHRISTIAN ACHEAMPONG AND RANSFORD BUABENG SENTENCED FOR VILE SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Rugby, two men have been convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving underage girls, with one of the offenders now serving a lengthy prison sentence and the other still at large. The incidents, which occurred over a span of three years, highlight serious concerns about the safety and protection of minors in the area.

Christian Acheampong, aged 40, of Duke Street, Rugby, was found guilty by a Warwick Crown Court jury of raping two 15-year-old girls during separate incidents in September 2012 and August of the following year. Despite his denial of the charges, the jury reached a unanimous verdict in favor of the prosecution, condemning his actions as vile and predatory. The court heard that Acheampong had lured the girls into situations where they were heavily intoxicated, making them vulnerable to assault.

The first incident involved three girls, aged 15 and 16, who had been out socializing before visiting Acheampong’s residence. There, he and Ransford Buabeng, who was tried in absentia, served them alcohol, which was a critical factor in the subsequent assault. One of the girls, a 15-year-old, went upstairs to use the toilet, only to be forcibly taken into a bedroom where she was raped by Acheampong. The court described this act as a vile violation, emphasizing the brutality and lack of compassion displayed by Acheampong.

The second incident involved a 15-year-old girl who had been out in Rugby and was so intoxicated that she fell as she left the Midas Club. Acheampong, who had been watching her at the club, persuaded someone to drive him and the girl back to his house. Once there, he continued to ply her with alcohol, and after her friends left, he assaulted her again. This time, he pulled her trousers down and raped her repeatedly in a mirror attack reminiscent of the earlier assault. The judge condemned Acheampong for his predatory behavior, noting that he had shown no remorse and believed he could evade justice.

Judge Andrew Lockhart QC sentenced Acheampong to an extended prison term of 15 years, with an additional five years on license. The judge clarified that Acheampong would need to serve at least ten years before being considered for parole, and he would only be released early if deemed safe to do so. The court also ordered Acheampong to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Ransford Buabeng, aged 31, of Wavebeck Court, Long Lawford, was convicted in his absence and sentenced to ten years in prison. He was tried without being present in court because he had fled the country, and the court issued an international arrest warrant for him. Both men were also ordered to register as sex offenders for life, underscoring the gravity of their offenses.

The prosecution, led by Peter Arnold, highlighted that the crimes were facilitated by the ease with which underage girls could access alcohol in Rugby bars. The court criticized the lack of checks on young drinkers and called for a review of licensing procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The judge praised Warwickshire Police for their diligent investigation, which played a crucial role in bringing the offenders to justice.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Lockhart expressed deep concern about the impact of the crimes on the victims and the community. He described Acheampong as a dangerous individual who posed a significant risk of causing further harm, especially given his predatory nature. The judge also acknowledged the difficult circumstances faced by Acheampong, who was the sole carer of his ten-year-old son following the death of his partner two years prior. However, he emphasized that public safety and justice must take precedence.

The case has raised questions about the effectiveness of alcohol licensing laws in Rugby and the need for stricter enforcement to protect vulnerable minors. The court’s decision sends a clear message that such vile acts will be met with severe punishment, and the community is urged to remain vigilant in safeguarding its young people.