A former singer associated with the band Spandau Ballet, Ross Davidson, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of multiple rapes and sexual assaults. The 38-year-old performer, also known as Ross William Wild, was found guilty following two separate trials that examined offences committed between August 2013 and December 2019.
Details of the trials and charges
According to reports, the first trial took place in July 2024, where Davidson was convicted of one count of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of voyeurism involving four women. In a second trial held in January 2025, he was found guilty of raping a woman in London in March 2015, as well as attempting to rape and sexually assault another woman in Thailand in December 2019. Overall, he was convicted of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault, and two counts of voyeurism. The crimes involved six women in total.
Throughout the proceedings, Davidson maintained that all encounters were consensual. However, the jury rejected his defence and convicted him on all charges.
Court observations and evidence
At Wood Green Crown Court, Judge John Dodd KC criticised Davidson's conduct, stating that the singer had an “adventurous attitude to matters sexually” and treated the women, some of whom cared for or loved him, “without respect.” The judge also noted that all six victims gave evidence “vividly and without exaggeration” and described how Davidson had “abused” their trust.
Prosecutors presented video evidence recovered from Davidson's phone, with some clips reportedly showing “strikingly similar” incidents of him touching sleeping women. Prosecutor Richard Hearnden said the victims were “as vulnerable as can be” and in “such a deep sleep that they could not be disturbed.” Many victims only became aware of the assaults after police informed them.
Victim statements and defence argument
Five victims attended the sentencing hearing, and three remained in court as the sentence was delivered. They later encouraged others to report abuse and seek help. 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.”
Davidson's defence counsel, Charlotte Newell KC, argued that he had suffered the “crippling effects” of undiagnosed ADHD and had been “self-medicating” with drugs and alcohol during his career. She stated that he has shown remorse and is improving in prison due to routine, medication, and family support.
Background and music career of Ross Davidson
Davidson, born in Aberdeen, Scotland, built a career as a musician, actor, and musical theatre performer. He gained attention when he briefly served as the lead vocalist for Spandau Ballet between 2018 and 2019. His association with the band was short-lived; he joined as a touring singer in 2018 and left in 2019, with his exit linked to uncertainty around the band's future. He later joined another group, Mercutio, but did not record new material with Spandau Ballet. Davidson also appeared in the West End production of 'We Will Rock You', and his theatre work included performances alongside Martin Kemp in Million Dollar Quartet.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a mental health specialist, NGO, or trusted individual. Several helplines are available to offer assistance.
