Chichester Man Jailed for 22 Years After Abusing and Controlling Five Women

A Chichester man, George de Bathe, 25, of North Mead, has been jailed for 22 years after a harrowing series of offences against five young women, including multiple rapes, coercive control, physical violence, and psychological abuse. Between 2015 and 2019, de Bathe subjected his victims — then in their mid to late teens — to […]

A Chichester man, George de Bathe, 25, of North Mead, has been jailed for 22 years after a harrowing series of offences against five young women, including multiple rapes, coercive control, physical violence, and psychological abuse.

Between 2015 and 2019, de Bathe subjected his victims — then in their mid to late teens — to a campaign of brutal and calculated abuse during separate relationships. Now in their 20s, the women have bravely come forward to expose the torment they suffered.

De Bathe imposed strict control over the victims, dictating what they wore, who they saw, and where they went. He used violence, threats, and manipulation to maintain dominance, including threatening them with a knife and assaulting them to the point of unconsciousness. Some were stopped from working, had their phones tracked, and were even locked in a car while de Bathe drove dangerously.

Four of the women reported being raped or sexually assaulted by him, with multiple incidents spanning months. One victim first contacted Sussex Police in April 2018, reporting sustained abuse. She also reached out to other women linked to de Bathe, which led police to uncover four further victims.

Following an extensive investigation by Sussex Police, de Bathe was charged in January 2024 with 24 offences:

Six counts of rape

Eight counts of actual bodily harm

Five counts of coercive and controlling behaviour

Two counts of sexual assault

Two counts of false imprisonment

One count of making threats to kill

In April 2025, after a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, de Bathe was found guilty on all charges except one count of ABH. On Friday, 11 July, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with 17 years in custody and five on extended licence.

Judge Ashworth, during sentencing, described de Bathe as a “dangerous offender with little or no remorse,” acknowledging the devastating emotional toll on the victims.

Four of the women shared powerful statements, revealing the long-lasting impact of de Bathe’s abuse.

One woman said:
“He deliberately stripped away my identity, my confidence, and my independence. I’m rebuilding, but I’m still not the person I once was.”

Another shared:
“I was conditioned to believe the abuse was my fault. I still experience flashbacks, panic attacks, and the effects of years of control.”

A third said:
“He replaced a happy, trusting girl with someone terrified of the world. I’m stronger now, but the scars will never go.”

The fourth added:
“It’s been six years of trauma, but reporting him saved others. He’s dangerous and must never hurt anyone else again.”

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said:
“These brave women have shown extraordinary courage. Their strength has put a dangerous predator behind bars and made Sussex safer for others.”

He also praised Detectives Jon Petroulas and Maddie Ursell for their work on the case. Cobbett encouraged others suffering domestic abuse to come forward, reassuring victims that police will offer full support and seek justice.

Sussex Police remain at the forefront of Clare’s Law disclosures — empowering people with vital information to protect themselves or others from potentially partners.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse or coercive control, help is available. Visit Sussex Police – Clare’s Law to find out how to request a disclosure under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.