Quadrophenia Alley Arrest After Brighton Knife-Point Rape

A Brighton man has been convicted of raping a woman at knifepoint in the city centre. Philip Smith, 28, of no fixed address, was found guilty of two counts of rape following a trial at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday (26 February). Police were called at around 3.30am on Saturday, August 9, 2025, to a […]

A Brighton man has been convicted of raping a woman at knifepoint in the city centre.

Philip Smith, 28, of no fixed address, was found guilty of two counts of rape following a trial at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday (26 February).

Police were called at around 3.30am on Saturday, August 9, 2025, to a third-party report that a woman had been raped by a stranger in Bartholomew Square.

The 31-year-old victim told officers the man had threatened her with a knife before raping her on a public bench. She managed to contact a friend nearby, who rushed to the scene and disturbed the attacker.

An emergency call was made to Sussex Police with a description of the suspect. Around 45 minutes later, Smith was arrested at the entrance to Quadrophenia Alley in Little East Street.

He matched the victim’s description and was found in possession of multiple knives – including one consistent with the victim’s account – as well as Class A drugs.

While in custody at Brighton Custody Centre, Smith exposed himself to two women.

He was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of indecent exposure, possession of a Class A drug and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He pleaded guilty to all offences except the rape charges.

At the time of the attack, Smith was on court bail awaiting sentencing for the sexual assault of a woman in Brighton on August 5, 2025.

Following the trial, the jury found him guilty of both rape counts. He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Hove Trial Centre on June 25.

Detective Constable Rachel Cutts said: “Philip Smith subjected this woman to a horrific ordeal in the city centre, in an area where she had every right to feel safe.

“Thanks to her quick-thinking to seek help, the prompt action of her friend and the rapid response of our officers, a dangerous offender has been brought to justice.

“I would like to commend all of the victims impacted by Smith’s offending for supporting this investigation through extremely challenging circumstances.

“We will continue to work hard alongside our partners to protect women and girls in Brighton and Hove, while ensuring victims are supported and offenders brought to justice should the worst happen.”