Men cleared of raping teenager in Brighton
The men from London and Surrey were acquitted following a trial at Hove Crown Court
Last updated 27th Feb 2026
Two men have been acquitted of the rape of another man in Brighton after a trial.
41 year old George Ellis, from Chessington, London, and 43 year old Mark Lett from Esher, Surrey, were arrested in December 2024.
They were charged with the rape of a man in Steine Lane, Brighton, on 21st December of that year.
In addition to the rape charge, Ellis and Lett faced accusations of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and assault with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence.
After a trial at Hove Crown Court, both were acquitted of the rape charge and of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.
The two assault-related charges were discontinued.
They face no further police action.
The complainant, who was 19 years old at the time of the incident, cannot be identified for legal reasons.
Detective Inspector Sean Booth commented on the case, saying:
“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.”