Man Jailed After Threatening Woman with Knife in East Sussex

A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after threatening a woman with a knife and falsely imprisoning her in East Sussex. Atul Rabbani-Brooker, of London Road, St Leonards, was jailed for three and a half years at Lewes Crown Court on 10 December after admitting a number of offences. These included assault occasioning actual […]

A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after threatening a woman with a knife and falsely imprisoning her in East Sussex.

Atul Rabbani-Brooker, of London Road, St Leonards, was jailed for three and a half years at Lewes Crown Court on 10 December after admitting a number of offences.

These included assault occasioning actual bodily harm, false imprisonment, threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a private place, and criminal damage.

The court heard that the offences took place in March 2025, when Rabbani-Brooker carried out a sustained campaign of abuse against the victim. During the final incident, he threatened to stab and kill her, leaving her terrified and fearing for her life.

The victim later reported the incidents to Sussex Police in April 2025. Phone evidence was used to support the investigation. She told officers that the ordeal had left her suffering from ongoing anxiety and emotional trauma.

Detective Inspector Steve Shimmons praised the victim for coming forward and said Sussex Police remains committed to tackling violence against women and girls and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
In addition to the prison sentence, Rabbani-Brooker was made subject to a ten-year restraining order, preventing him from contacting the victim.