Hove man admits sexually assaulting multiple women
Fattah Derrahi pleaded guilty to nine charges.
A 59-year-old man from Hove has admitted to sexually assaulting several women across Brighton and Hove over a two-year period.
Fattah Derrahi, a British national of Farm Road in Hove, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 15th December charged with nine counts of sexual assault.
According to the court, the assaults occurred between August 2023 and October 2025, predominantly targeting women who were exercising or had recently finished exercising.
Prosecutors told the court that Derrahi would approach women by complimenting their ‘energy’ and engage them in physical activities such as stretching, dancing, or breathing exercises, creating circumstances that enabled the assaults.
Derrahi was arrested in November 2025 after a public identity appeal was issued. He admitted all nine charges in a pre-trial preparatory hearing on Monday 15th December.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on 23rd February 2026.
Detective Constable Sarah Whitehill highlighted the impact of Derrahi’s actions, saying: “Women and girls should be safe to enjoy everyday activities in public without fear of being targeted by predatory men. Fattah Derrahi denied all of these women that right.
“These were extremely distressing incidents for the victims, and I would like to thank each of them for reporting to the police and supporting this investigation.
“My thanks also extend to the public who responded so positively to the public appeal to identify Derrahi. He was in custody within hours of the appeal going live.
“We will continue to work hard, with our partners, to keep Brighton and Hove a safe place for women and girls. Please report any crimes or concerns to police online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.”