Brighton Man Jailed for Rape and Coercive Abuse Following Months of Violence

A Brighton man has been jailed for a series of violent and coercive crimes, including rape, strangulation and controlling behaviour, against a woman over several months in 2024. Zaine Reid, 20, of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven years in prison at Brighton Crown Court on Friday, 16 May, after being convicted of multiple […]

A Brighton man has been jailed for a series of violent and coercive crimes, including rape, strangulation and controlling behaviour, against a woman over several months in 2024.

Zaine Reid, 20, of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven years in prison at Brighton Crown Court on Friday, 16 May, after being convicted of multiple serious offences.

In September 2024, the female victim – then in her late teens – bravely came forward to report months of abuse that began in February of that year. She described being subjected to repeated violence, coercive control, and sexual assault by Reid.

Reid’s behaviour included isolating her from friends and family, monitoring her via cameras, and emotionally manipulating her with threats of self-harm whenever she attempted to cut ties.

Among the most serious of the offences was a rape, during which the victim was also strangled to the point of fearing for her life.

When she finally ended the relationship, Reid logged into her social media accounts and deleted them all, further severing her from support networks. He was arrested and charged with rape, intentional strangulation, coercive and controlling behaviour, and actual bodily harm (ABH).

While on remand awaiting trial, Reid further intimidated the victim from prison, attempting to pressure her into withdrawing her support for the police investigation. This led to an additional charge of witness intimidation.

Reid was convicted of all charges at a court hearing on 18 March and has since remained in custody.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Ryan Dale said:

“I would like to thank the victim in this investigation for her remarkable strength and determination, in the face of Zaine Reid’s abuse and ongoing intimidation.

She has proven that Reid is not able to control her actions and, thanks to her, he is now behind bars. Sussex is a safer place as a result.”

DC Dale also urged other victims of abuse to come forward:

“If you are a victim of abuse, please know that help is available and there is an escape. Report to us discreetly online, via 101, or by dialling 999 in an emergency. We will do all we can to help and support you.”

If you’ve been affected by this story or are experiencing domestic abuse, confidential help is available from organisations such as Women’s Aid, Refuge, and Sussex Police.