Two Men Cleared of Brighton Rape Charge After Trial at Hove Crown Court

Two men have been cleared of rape following a trial at Hove Crown Court. George Ellis, 41, of Chessington, London, and Mark Lett, 43, of Esher, Surrey, were arrested in December 2024 and later charged in connection with an alleged incident in Steine Lane, Brighton, on December 21 that year. Both men denied the allegations. […]

Two men have been cleared of rape following a trial at Hove Crown Court.

George Ellis, 41, of Chessington, London, and Mark Lett, 43, of Esher, Surrey, were arrested in December 2024 and later charged in connection with an alleged incident in Steine Lane, Brighton, on December 21 that year.

Both men denied the allegations.

They were accused of raping a 19-year-old man and of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. They also faced charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence.

Following a trial, a jury acquitted both defendants of rape and of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. The two assault-related charges were discontinued during proceedings.

They face no further police action.

The complainant, who was aged 19 at the time of the alleged incident, cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Detective Inspector Sean Booth said: “We are aware of the conclusion of a trial involving two defendants accused of the rape of a man and other sexual offences at Hove Crown Court.

“Following a thorough police investigation, the case has now concluded and we respect the verdict of the jury.”