Hove man sentenced to six years for multiple sexual assaults
Fattah Derrahi targeted women exercising in public spaces
Fattah Derrahi, 59, of Farm Road in Hove, has been sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to sexually assaulting multiple women in public spaces over a four-year period.
Derrahi was charged with 11 counts of sexual assault between September 2021 and October 2025, primarily targeting women who were exercising near Hove Lawns, a popular seafront location.
Pattern of behavior and conviction
Derrahi engaged victims by complimenting their 'energy' and creating physical situations to assist them in stretching or other exercises, ultimately leading to the assaults. He was arrested in November 2025 and charged subsequently.
Having admitted nine charges during a pre-trial hearing at Lewes Crown Court on 15th December, Derrahi later admitted an additional two charges from incidents in 2021, resulting in his sentencing on 27th March.
Detective Inspector Jenny Pietersen emphasized the positive outcome for community safety: “Brighton and Hove is a safer place now that Fattah Derrahi has been brought to justice."
Support and resources
DI Pietersen praised the courage of the victims for coming forward and assured ongoing commitment to supporting women and girls in Sussex.
“We remain committed to improving our service to women and girls in Sussex, working with our partners to prevent crime in the first place, provide support to victims and catch perpetrators," Pietersen said.
Victims of sexual offending in Sussex are encouraged to seek support from independent partner services such as Survivors Network, Life Centre, Mankind, and Veritas Justice, offering emotional support and dedicated services for victims.
More information about free support available can be found on the Safe Space Sussex website.