Former University Of Sussex Student Found Guilty Of Multiple Sexual Offences

A former University of Sussex student has been found guilty of sexually assaulting or raping five women, including four fellow students.

Alex Patel-Wells, 26, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday.

Sussex Police began their investigation after a woman reported being raped at a property in Brighton in October 2021.

Further inquiries identified four additional victims spanning from 2018 to 2021.

The attacks took place at university campus properties, as well as in London and Brighton, including Patel-Wells’ own home.

He was charged with five counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration.

A jury found Patel-Wells guilty of offences relating to every victim, including four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

He was found not guilty of one count of rape and one count of assault by penetration.

Detective Constable Vicki Blythe said:

“Each of these brave women has shown incredible courage to report and support this investigation.

"Thanks to their help, a predatory offender has been convicted and will now face a significant prison sentence.”

A University of Sussex spokesperson said:

“We are committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment on our campus and take all reports of sexual misconduct seriously.

"Our thoughts are with the victims-survivors and we commend their courage in seeking justice.”

Patel-Wells has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 19 December 2025.