Brighton Man Admits Street Sexual Assault

A Brighton man has admitted sexually assaulting a woman in the city.

James Dickens, 42, of Birdham Close, pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 12 August to sexually assaulting the woman by touching her.

The court heard the incident happened on 4 November 2022 after Dickens and the victim, who knew each other, had been drinking with friends in a pub.

They left together, and members of the public reported seeing Dickens assaulting her while they sat on a wall in Hollingbury Crescent.

Police quickly attended, arresting Dickens and taking him into custody.

The victim was taken to hospital for medical checks and supported by specialist officers.

He will be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 22 October.

Detective Constable Elaine Welsh, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s “bravery and strength” in supporting the case, adding:

“Dickens was a trusted family friend, yet assaulted her in the street when she was at her most vulnerable.

"The impact has been immensely traumatising for her, and I also want to thank the members of the public whose quick actions helped us bring him to justice.”