Man jailed for "horrific" knifepoint rape in Brighton
The attacker was on bail for a separate sexual offence when he targeted the victim in Bartholomew Square
A rapist who threatened a woman at knifepoint in Brighton has been jailed.
Philip Smith, 29, approached the woman in Bartholomew Square at around 3:30am on 9th August 2025 and threatened her with a knife, before raping her.
The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons and has a right to anonymity, contacted a friend nearby to call the police.
The friend came to the scene and disturbed Smith, who ran off.
The court was told how Smith was already on court bail awaiting sentencing for a sexual assault on a woman in Brighton on 5 August 2025.
After this second attack, police officers on patrol found Smith, who matched the description received, and he was found in possession of two knives in Quadrophenia Alley in Little East Street.
He was also in possession of class A drugs.
After he was arrested, Smith exposed himself to two women inside Brighton Custody Centre.
He was subsequently charged with two counts of rape, two counts of indecent exposure and one count each of being in possession of a Class A drug, and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was remanded in custody.
Following a trial, he was convicted of two counts of rape. At Hove Crown Court on 25 June, Smith, of no fixed address, was jailed for 13 years.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour said: “This was a horrific ordeal for the victim in the centre of Brighton.
“She was able to send a message to a friend in order to get help, and the friend’s actions and swift arrest ensured that Smith has been brought to justice.
“Tackling violence against woman and girls (VAWG) is a priority for Sussex Police.
“This case demonstrates our determination to catch dangerous offenders, and we are pleased that Smith is now serving a significant custodial sentence.”