Brighton Man Jailed For Life For Rape And Sexual Assault By Penetration

A Brighton man who groomed and exploited a vulnerable woman with money and drugs before raping and sexually assaulting her has been jailed for life.

Peter Phillips, 61, of Maderia Place, Brighton, was sentenced to life imprisonment at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 20 July, after previously pleading guilty to the rape and sexual assault by penetration of a woman aged 16 or over.

Police launched an investigation after a 34-year-old woman from Worthing reported that she had been raped and sexually assaulted by Phillips.

She and her family were supported throughout the investigation by specially trained officers.

She reported that Phillips had raped and sexually assaulted her after they met in Brighton in May 2025.

Phillips groomed the victim with money and drugs. The following month, he invited her to a festival, where he encouraged her to consume alcohol and drugs, leaving her vulnerable.

He then took her to a hotel, where he subjected her to a violent and sustained sexual assault before raping her.

He was arrested on 6 August 2025, charged the same day and remanded in custody.

Phillips pleaded guilty to rape of a female aged 16 or over and sexual assault by penetration at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, 20 January.

Phillips was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday, 20 July.

He must serve a minimum term of nine years and six months before he can be considered for parole.  

Quoting from a pre-sentence report, His Honour Judge Stephen Mooney said:

“It is my assessment that Mr. Phillips leads a predatory and manipulative lifestyle whereby he goes to great lengths to place himself in situations where he has the opportunity to offend against vulnerable females.” 

He added: "I am satisfied that a life sentence should be imposed and there is nothing that could lead me to conclude that to impose a life sentence would in any way be unjust".

Detective Police Constable, Ryan Dale welcomed the sentence saying:

“Phillips is a highly dangerous and calculated sexual predator who deliberately targeted and exploited a vulnerable woman.

“While he has been brought to justice, we are keen to hear from anyone who may also have been affected by his behaviour.

“We recognise how difficult it can be to report sexual offences, but if you believe you may have been a victim of Peter Phillips please come forward.

"You will be listened to, supported and your report will be taken seriously.”

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Peter Phillips, or wishes to report any other sexual offence, is urged to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101.

In an emergency always dial 999.

For information about support and advice available to victims, please visit the Sussex Police website.