Brighton Man Convicted Of Rape At Knifepoint

A Brighton man has been found guilty of raping a woman at knifepoint in the city centre.

The incident took place around 3.30am on Saturday, 9 August 2025, in Bartholomew Square.

The 31-year-old victim reported that a stranger threatened her with a knife and raped her on a public bench.

She was able to alert a friend nearby, who intervened and disrupted the attack.

Sussex Police were called and, within 45 minutes, Philip Smith, 28, was arrested in Little East Street.

Officers found him carrying multiple knives, including one that matched the victim’s account, along with Class A drugs.

While in custody at Brighton, Smith exposed himself to two women.

He was subsequently charged with two counts of rape, two counts of indecent exposure, possession of a Class A drug, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

At the time, he was already on bail for a separate sexual assault in Brighton.

Smith denied the rape charges but pleaded guilty to the other offences.

Following a trial at Lewes Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of both counts of rape on Thursday, 26 February.

He will be sentenced at Hove Trial Centre on Thursday, 25 June.

Detective Constable Rachel Cutts said:

“Philip Smith subjected this woman to a horrific ordeal in an area where she had every right to feel safe.

"Thanks to her quick-thinking, the prompt action of her friend, and our officers’ rapid response, a dangerous offender has been brought to justice.

"We continue to work to protect women and girls in Brighton and Hove and support victims.”

Anyone affected by sexual offences in Sussex is encouraged to seek support.

Services include:

• Survivors Network – emotional and practical support

• Life Centre – trauma-informed therapy and counselling

• Mankind – support for male victims

• Veritas Justice – support for victims of stalking

More information on free victim support is available at the Safe Space Sussex website.