On the 23 May 2023, the body of Melvyn Ramsden (AKA Michel Rameau) was found in Cluis, France, after he had been reported missing for three months. This was confirmed by Cambridgeshire Police.
This firm has previously represented victims of alleged sexual abuse by Melvyn Ramsden in compensation claims. Ramsden had been a drama/music teacher in schools in the Hertfordshire/Cambridgeshire area in the 1970s and ‘80’s.
He was reported to Hertfordshire police, and it is understood that the police investigation resulted in an international arrest warrant being issued, but unfortunately it was not possible to extradite Melvyn Ramsden to the UK.
Those compensation claims against a local authority were successful and our clients recovered significant damages for the trauma they have endured, even though it was not possible to prosecute Melvyn Ramsden because he had moved to live abroad.
Whilst resident in France Melvyn Ramsden changed his name to Michel Rameau and set up a ‘Bed and Breakfast’ accommodation in Cluis, France with his partner, alongside which he ran a drama/language school and also ran online English grammar courses. He wrote several spelling method books under the name of Melvyn Ramsden.
In October 2021, this firm was contacted by yet another of Ramsden’s victims. A further police investigation was instigated, this time by Cambridgeshire Police. Our client alleged abuse by Ramsden whilst a pupil at a Cambridgeshire private school where Ramsden was a teacher.
Ramsden/’Rameau” was said to be well known to the inhabitants of the town of Cluis having arrived there with his companion, Pascal in early 2000. It is understood he had actively participated in the life of the village by becoming a municipal councillor. Amidst much speculation Ramsden’s disappearance and subsequent death were reported by local French media.
It is reported that Michel Rameau had once told a local inhabitant ‘England, never again’.
Due to Melvyn Ramsden’s death Cambridge Police’s investigation was ‘No Further Actioned’. The current civil compensation claim against Ramsden’s school continues.
One of our former clients comments:
“Ramsden took away my childhood for his own pleasure. 50 years later I still live with the negative influence this had on me. I came across him later in life and I’m sure he abused dozens of children over decades. Coming forward and making a claim has helped me process my abuse”.
We continue to gather evidence and would be keen to hear from any person who may corroborate the testimony we have heard so far to support our client’s pursuit of justice. Please contact me on 01234 360140 or email me on te@emmottsnell.co.uk
