Man Charged With Sexual Assault Following Brighton Incident

A 30-year-old man has been charged with sexual offences following an incident involving a woman in Brighton.

Police received a report that a man had been walking behind a 20-year-old woman for some distance before approaching and sexually assaulting her in Cheapside, near London Road, during the early hours of Friday 9 October.

A member of the public intervened, after which the man reportedly ran off.

Following an investigation, a suspect was arrested on Sunday 11 October.

Alex Ogden, 30, of no fixed address, has since been charged with sexual assault and assault with intent to commit a sexual offence, both relating to 9 October.

He has also been charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place on 11 October and failing to comply with a notification requirement between 10 and 12 October.

Ogden was remanded in custody to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court today (Tuesday 13 October).

Detective Inspector Caroline Jeffery praised the woman involved and thanked members of the public who assisted the investigation.

She said:

“We commend the bravery of the victim who we continue to support with specialist officers.

"We also thank those who came forward with information to assist police.

“We take every report of sexual offending seriously and are committed to doing all we can to protect the public, support victims, and apprehend those found responsible.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Sussex Police online or call 101, quoting Operation Toronto.