Brighton Man Convicted of Rape and Assault by Penetration

A man from Brighton has been convicted at Lewes Crown Court after admitting the rape and assault by penetration of a woman he met in the city. The defendant, Peter Phillips, 60, of Madeira Place, Brighton, pleaded guilty to both offences at a hearing on 20 January. The charges relate to an incident in June […]

A man from Brighton has been convicted at Lewes Crown Court after admitting the rape and assault by penetration of a woman he met in the city.

The defendant, Peter Phillips, 60, of Madeira Place, Brighton, pleaded guilty to both offences at a hearing on 20 January. The charges relate to an incident in June 2025, when he met a woman in Brighton and later subjected her to sustained sexual violence after encouraging her to consume alcohol and drugs, leaving her vulnerable.

Sussex Police became aware of the offence after the victim from Worthing came forward with her account, prompting a police investigation. She and her family received specialist support throughout the process.

Phillips was arrested on 6 August 2025, charged the same day, and remanded in custody. Following his conviction, he remains in custody and is due to be sentenced on 10 April 2026, with the court location to be confirmed.

Detective Police Constable Ryan Dale said this conviction highlights the seriousness with which Sussex Police treat sexual violence. He thanked the victim for her courage in coming forward and encouraged anyone affected by sexual offences to report them to the police. Support and reporting options are available online, by calling 101, or in an emergency by calling 999.