A 29-year-old man, Amponsah Thompson, has been sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment by Liverpool Crown Court after being convicted of multiple sexual offences against three young women. The court found that Thompson systematically targeted vulnerable victims in Liverpool city centre, posing as a taxi driver to lure intoxicated teenagers into his vehicle.
The offences occurred between August 2024 and 2025. The court heard that Thompson operated with deliberate intent, driving through nightlife areas in a white Mercedes in search of lone and intoxicated women.
The first incident took place in August 2024, when an 18-year-old woman, separated from her friends after a night out, approached Thompson’s vehicle believing it to be a taxi. After falsely confirming that he was a driver, Thompson transported her not to her home but to his residence in Tuebrook. There, he entered the back seat and sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to prevent further harm by pretending her family was tracking her location. She was later driven home. A bank transfer she made for the fare enabled police to identify Thompson.
When questioned, Thompson denied misrepresenting himself or engaging in any physical contact and was initially released on bail.
In December 2024, while still under investigation, Thompson targeted a second victim, also aged 18, who was described as highly intoxicated and alone. He took her to his flat, where she was raped. He later claimed the encounter was consensual; however, a jury found him guilty of rape.
Evidence presented in court further established that Thompson continued offending into 2025, subjecting a third victim to repeated sexual assaults, including multiple rapes. He also used violence and threats, including the use of a knife, to control and intimidate her.
The prosecution characterised Thompson as manipulative and predatory, demonstrating a consistent disregard for consent and personal boundaries. Although he had no prior convictions, the court noted a previous investigation in early 2024 involving an alleged sexual assault, which did not proceed to charges after the complainant withdrew.
In mitigation, defence counsel described Thompson as previously of good character and requested leniency. However, the presiding judge, Brian Cummings KC, determined that Thompson posed a significant and ongoing risk to the public and classified him as a dangerous offender.
In addition to the 23-year custodial sentence, Thompson received an extended licence period of eight years. He must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for release by the Parole Board and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life. Deportation proceedings were noted as a matter for the relevant authorities.
Thompson had pleaded guilty to sexual assault in relation to the first victim and to three counts of rape involving the third victim.
