Brighton man found guilty of knife point rape in city centre
Philip Smith has been convicted of multiple charges after the attack in Bartholomew Square
A 28-year-old man has been convicted of raping a woman at knifepoint in Brighton's city centre.
The crime occurred at around 3.30 am on 9th August 2025 when Sussex Police received a report that a stranger had raped a 31-year-old woman on a public bench in Bartholomew Square, after threatening her with a knife.
The victim contacted a friend who was nearby, and the friend promptly disrupted the attacker.
Police arrested Philip Smith 45 minutes later at Quadrophenia Alley in Little East Street.
Smith was found with multiple knives, including one that matched the victim's description, and Class A drugs.
Smith, of no fixed address, was charged with two counts of rape, indecent exposure, possession of a Class A drug, and carrying a knife in a public place.
He had previously been on court bail related to another sexual assault in Brighton earlier the same month.
While Smith denied the rape charges, he admitted the other offences.
A jury at Lewes Crown Court found him guilty of both rape counts on 26th February, and he has been held in custody pending sentencing at Hove Trial Centre on 25th June.
Detective Constable Rachel Cutts praised the victim for her quick-thinking, which led to the suspect's capture.
“Philip Smith subjected this woman to a horrific ordeal in the city centre, in an area where she had every right to feel safe,” DC Cutts said.
"The prompt action of her friend and the rapid response of our officers has ensured a dangerous offender is held to account."