Ex-Spandau Ballet star Ross Davidson jailed for rape

A former singer for Spandau Ballet who believed he could have "sex on demand" has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of eight charges, including rape and attempted rape.

Ross Davidson, who used Ross Wild as his stage name, sang with the 80s band Spandau Ballet in 2018, and starred in the Queen-themed West End musical We Will Rock You.

The 37-year-old from Finchley, north London, filmed himself sexually assaulting six women - some of whom were asleep - between August 2013 and December 2019 at the height of his fame.

At Wood Green Crown Court, the Aberdeen-born star was sentenced following the conclusion of two separate trails.

During a trial in July 2024, he was convicted of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and voyeurism against four women while in January this year, he was found guilty of raping a woman in London in March 2015, and the attempted rape and sexual assault of another woman in Thailand in December 2019. He pleaded guilty to one count of voyeurism.

The trials heard how Davidson believed he could have "sex on demand", and referred to himself as "sex positive".

Prosecutor Richard Hearnden told the court videos were taken when women were "as vulnerable as can be" as they were in "such a deep sleep that they could not be disturbed". They found out about the sexual assaults when the police told them.

While victims were recounting their experiences and their subsequent ongoing trauma, Davidson sat reading a book in the dock.

Judge John Dodd KC, the Recorder of Haringey, told Davidson: "For a period of six years and at a time when your stage and musical career was fast developing, and you were seen by many as a charismatic artist, you were also behaving to women in a wholly disgraceful manner."

He added that he had "abused" their trust.

Davidson will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Five of the women attended the hearing, including three who sat quietly in the court as the sentence was handed down.

Speaking after the conviction, one victim said: "Seeing Ross accountable is an important moment for me, and I hope it encourages others who have experienced something similar to feel able to speak up and seek support."

Another added: "Speaking out about sexual violence is not easy. It can feel overwhelming, frightening, and at times isolating.

"However, I hope that by coming forward, I have shown that it is possible to be heard and that what happened matters.

"I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to know that they are not alone, and that support is available."

Det Con Kamila Kedadrova said the force had "more than tripled arrests and charges for rape and serious sexual offences".

"The Met remains committed to securing justice for victims of sexual offences, no matter when they occurred," she said.