A man described by a judge as a “dangerous offender” has been jailed for 23 years after targeting vulnerable young women during nights out in Liverpool city centre.
Amponsah Thompson, 29, used his car to approach intoxicated women before subjecting them to a series of sexual offences, Liverpool Crown Court heard. He admitted sexual assault against one victim and three counts of rape against another, and was convicted by a jury of a further rape following a trial.
The court was told Thompson deliberately sought out lone and vulnerable women in the early hours of the morning. Prosecutor David Polglase said he had been “essentially prowling” the city centre on multiple occasions.
The first victim, an 18-year-old woman, had been out in August 2024 and was heavily intoxicated when she left a venue alone shortly after 2am. She approached Thompson’s white Mercedes believing it to be a taxi. Mr Polglase said Thompson “lied and pretended that he was” a driver, allowing her to get into the vehicle expecting to be taken home.
Instead, he drove her to his address in Tuebrook, where he entered the back seat and began to touch her. The assault stopped when the woman pretended her family were tracking her location and calling her phone. Thompson then drove her home. Police later traced him through payments she had made into his bank account.
While under investigation for that offence, Thompson went on to target a second 18-year-old woman in December 2024. She had become separated from friends during a night out and was described as “extremely drunk and vulnerable”. CCTV showed Thompson approaching her before escorting her to his car.
The woman later recalled drifting in and out of consciousness and waking up at his flat the following day. The court heard she had been raped during the night before Thompson took her home.
Thompson denied wrongdoing when questioned, claiming the encounter had been consensual.
The court also heard details of a third victim, who was subjected to repeated sexual assaults over a period of time. Thompson raped her multiple times and used violence against her, including threatening her with a knife.
Mr Polglase told the court: “We say that this defendant is manipulative. He is a sexual predator. He has little or no regard for the boundaries of and consent for sex.”
In mitigation, Anthony O’Donohoe said Thompson had previously been of good character and had no prior convictions, asking the court to impose a sentence proportionate to the offences.
Sentencing, Judge Brian Cummings KC said Thompson posed an ongoing risk to the public. “My own assessment is that you are a dangerous offender, and there would remain a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm,” he said.
Thompson was sentenced to 23 years in prison and will serve an additional eight years on licence following his release. He must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term before being eligible for parole and has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.
The judge also noted that his immigration status may be reviewed, leaving open the possibility of deportation following his sentence.
