RANSFORD BUABENG OF RUGBY ON THE RUN AFTER CHILD RAPE CASE INVOLVING RUGBY GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Rugby, Warwickshire, a convicted child rapist remains at large, evading justice after a series of heinous crimes committed against underage girls. Ransford Buabeng, aged 31 and residing on Morris Close in Rugby, was involved in a series of criminal acts dating back to September 2012, which have left a lasting scar on the victims and the local community alike.

Buabeng was initially linked to the assault of a 15-year-old girl, an incident that took place alongside another man. Both men were eventually convicted and sentenced in December of 2016, with Buabeng receiving a 10-year prison term in his absence. Despite the severity of the case, Buabeng failed to appear at multiple court hearings, including the crucial sentencing session, and has since disappeared, making him a fugitive. It is believed that he left the Rugby area after breaching bail conditions set in December 2015, when he was charged and released on bail for the same case. His departure from the area was confirmed in September 2016, when he stopped complying with bail conditions and is thought to have fled the country.

Meanwhile, his accomplice, Christian Acheampong, aged 40 and from Duke Street, Rugby, was present in court and convicted of similar crimes. Acheampong was found guilty of raping two 15-year-old girls during separate incidents in September 2012 and August 2016. The jury at Warwick Crown Court unanimously convicted him of both charges. The court heard that Acheampong, along with Buabeng, had lured the girls into situations where they were heavily intoxicated, making them vulnerable to assault.

Judge Andrew Lockhart QC sentenced Acheampong to an extended prison term of 15 years, followed by an additional five years on licence. The judge emphasized 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. Acheampong’s sentence also included a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender. The court described him as a danger to the public, highlighting his predatory behavior and lack of remorse.

Buabeng, who was tried in his absence, was sentenced to ten years in prison. Both men were ordered to register as sex offenders for life. The prosecution revealed that in September 2012, three girls aged 15 and 16 had been out in Rugby before visiting Acheampong’s home, where they were served alcohol by the defendants. One of the girls, a 15-year-old, went upstairs to use the toilet, only to be dragged into a bedroom and raped by the two men. The court heard that another girl, also 15, had been heavily intoxicated after leaving the Midas Club and was subsequently assaulted in a manner similar to the first incident.

Judge Lockhart condemned Acheampong’s actions, stating, “You showed no compassion. You thought you had got away with it. Happily, you had not, and that is largely through the bravery of your later victim.” The judge also criticized the lack of proper checks on underage drinking in Rugby bars, noting that Acheampong had been watching the girl at the club and persuaded someone to drive them back to his house. There, he continued to ply her with alcohol before assaulting her in a mirror attack, repeating the pattern from 2012. The judge described Acheampong as a “predatory rapist” and a significant danger to young women.

Regarding Buabeng, the judge highlighted the seriousness of his absence and the international arrest warrant issued for him. He stated that Buabeng would be brought before the court if apprehended and emphasized the importance of ongoing police investigations. The case was praised for its thorough investigation by Warwickshire Police, but the judge expressed concern over the ease with which underage girls could access alcohol in Rugby, calling for a review of licensing checks and enforcement.

As of now, Ransford Buabeng remains at large, and authorities continue their efforts to locate and apprehend him. The community and victims await justice, hoping that Buabeng will be captured and held accountable for his crimes.