Brighton Beach Horror: Teen Raped and Woman Assaulted at Dawn
Police are appealing for information following a report of a teenage girl being raped and a woman being sexually assaulted on Brighton beach. The incident occurred at around 6am on Sunday, 8 September, in an area of the beach between the two piers. The two females involved are known to each other.
Detectives investigating the offences are looking to identify three men who may be able to assist with the ongoing enquiries.
Photo – Sussex News Stock Image
Detective Sergeant Paul Heal stated, “The two victims are being supported by specially trained officers while our thorough investigation continues. We are undertaking multiple lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances around these incidents and ensure that those responsible are located and held accountable for their actions.”
In response to the incident, patrols have been increased along Brighton seafront. Police are also working with partner agencies to support this enhanced presence.
“If you recognise these men, or have inf..
Suspect Arrested After Attempted Knife Robbery in Eastbourne
Police in Eastbourne have arrested a 57-year-old man in connection with an attempted robbery that occurred on Seaside Road. The incident took place at around 9pm on Thursday, 18 July, when a 15-year-old girl was approached by a man armed with a knife near the junction of Seaside Road and Southbourne Road.
The suspect demanded that the young girl hand over her possessions. Fortunately, a member of the public intervened, causing the man to flee the scene without taking anything. The victim was left shaken but unharmed by the incident.
Following a public appeal for information, police arrested the 57-year-old man from Eastbourne on suspicion of robbery. He has since been interviewed and released on bail with strict conditions while investigations continue.
Detectives are still seeking any witnesses who may have seen the incident or have relevant information. They urge anyone who can help to contact them online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1411 of 18/07. Alternatively, individuals ..
Hastings Man Behind Bars After Setting Two East Sussex Homes on Fire
A Hastings man, Alex Reynolds, has been sentenced to nine years and three months in prison after setting fire to two properties in East Sussex. The 27-year-old, of Edmund Road, Hastings, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 13 September following a series of arson attacks that put lives at risk.
The first fire occurred on 13 November 2023, at a property in St Marks Close, Bexhill. Police were called to the scene shortly before 10pm, where significant damage had been done to the home. Reynolds was arrested and released under investigation.
However, on 19 March 2024, another suspicious fire broke out at a property in Theaklen Drive, St Leonards. Reynolds was found near the site and subsequently arrested. After thorough investigation, it was revealed that Reynolds was present at both crime scenes. He pleaded guilty to arson charges, first in May at Lewes Crown Court for the Bexhill fire, and then in July at Brighton Magistrates’ Court for the St Leonards incident.
Lewes Crown Court se..
Woman Who Stabbed Man and Poured Bleach in His Eyes Sentenced
A Hastings woman, Marlena Meczynska-Shiibashi, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after a violent assault on a man at her home. The 38-year-old grievously attacked the victim, who was known to her, using a knife and bleach in a shocking incident.
The assault took place on March 4, 2023, when the victim was attempting to sleep. Meczynska-Shiibashi retrieved a knife from the kitchen and bleach from the bathroom before stabbing him and pouring bleach into his eyes. When police arrived at the scene, she told officers: “I didn’t just stab him in the leg you know, I poured bleach in his eyes.”
The victim continues to suffer from the traumatic experience, experiencing flashbacks, anxiety, and depression.
On September 13, at Lewes Crown Court, Meczynska-Shiibashi was sentenced after admitting to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The court rejected her claims about the victim’s behavior, following a thorough investigation by the Safeguarding Investigation Unit, which found n..
Thrust Me, It’s Faulty! Ann Summers Recalls Risky Rabbit
Ann Summers has issued an urgent product recall for the “Thrusting Ring Rabbit” vibrator, sold both in stores and online at www.annsummers.com between August 10, 2024, and August 22, 2024.
The recall follows the discovery of a fault in the mechanism, which could potentially detach during use, posing a risk to users.
Thrusting Ring Rabbit recall safety warning
Details of the Hazard: The fault in the product’s mechanism could cause parts to detach, presenting a potential hazard for anyone using it as intended. The issue was identified during recent inspections, and the company is now taking action to ensure customer safety.
Actions Required:
Stop using the “Thrusting Ring Rabbit” immediately.
Do not dispose of the product as Ann Summers will conduct further investigations and ensure safe disposal of the electrical components.
Package the product (original packaging is not required).
Return the product to your nearest Ann Summers store for a full refund or exchange. Proof of purch..
Lib Dems Suspend Member Following Alleged Sexual Assault at Brighton Party Event
The Liberal Democrats have suspended a member of their party following an allegation of sexual assault during their annual conference in Brighton.
Sussex Police confirmed that a 57-year-old man from Bristol was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault after an alleged incident in the early hours of Tuesday at The Grand Hotel, Kings Road. The party’s “Glee Club” event, a light-hearted social gathering where members sing satirical songs about British politics, was taking place at the time.
Reports have emerged that private security staff allegedly escorted a man from The Grand Hotel after a woman attending the event complained of being inappropriately touched on her backside during the gathering. The incident, which occurred during the three-hour Glee Club, was later reported to Sussex Police.
A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats stated: “We are deeply shocked by this incident. We have fully cooperated with the police in identifying and apprehending the suspect, who has since been ..
Man to Appear in Court Following Crawley House Fire
Photo – @dnofirefreak
A 60-year-old man is set to appear before Crawley Magistrates’ Court today in connection with a deliberate house fire in the Broadfield area of Crawley.
The incident occurred at around 3:33 p.m. on Saturday, 14 September, at a property on Creasys Drive. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, with assistance from Sussex Police, responded to the scene. Fortunately, no individuals were injured in the fire, but tragically, a dog was confirmed dead.
The man, Adrian West, of no fixed address, has been charged with several offences, including:
Arson with intent to endanger life (14 September);
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (22 May);
Intentional strangulation (22 May);
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (between 1 January and 14 September);
Assault by beating (between 1 January and 14 September);
Criminal damage (13 September).
West remains in custody and will face the court later today.
Police are maintaining a visible presence in the Broadfi..
Teenager Attacked and Robbed in Brighton’s The Level Park
Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery that took place in Brighton on the evening of 7 September.
At approximately 9:10 p.m., officers were called to The Level on Lewes Road after reports of an attack involving a group of seven men and two teenage boys. The assailants approached a 16-year-old boy, stole his mobile phone, and physically attacked him, leaving him with minor injuries. A second 16-year-old boy was also threatened and had his phone taken during the incident.
Police believe two passersby, a dog walker and a woman, may have witnessed the robbery. Officers are urging these individuals, or anyone with any additional information, to come forward.
Anyone with details about the incident is asked to contact Sussex Police either online or by calling 101, quoting reference serial 1364 of 07/09.
Investigations are ongoing, and the police are prioritizing the safety of young people in the area.
Man Arrested Following Crawley House Fire, Dog Confirmed Dead
A 60-year-old man from Crawley has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire broke out at a home in Creasys Drive, Broadfield, on Saturday, 14th September. The fire, which started around 3:33 pm, prompted an immediate response from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, supported by Sussex Police.
No human injuries were reported, but tragically, a dog was confirmed deceased at the scene.
The woman who lived at the property has been identified as the suspect’s former partner. Her son, Connor, has since set up a GoFundMe page to help his mother rebuild her life. In a heartfelt statement, Connor shared the devastating circumstances of the fire and the loss of his mother’s beloved dog, Peggy.
TO DONATE THE GOFUNDME PAGE IS AT https://gofund.me/870d6f07
“Hi, I’m Connor, and I’m reaching out to you for support. My mum recently experienced a tragic and life-changing event when her home was intentionally set on fire by someone she trusted—my biological fat..
A Bedford man who groomed a 13-year-old boy on Snapchat and drove to Worthing to rape him has been jailed
Thomas Crabtree, 35, of Sundew Close in Bedford, was sentenced to serve ten years in prison, followed by six years on licence, when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 12 September.
He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Detective Chief Inspector Carrie Williams said: “Thomas Crabtree is a predator who, thanks to the bravery of this young boy, is now safely behind bars.
“He manipulated and took advantage of the boy, who suffered an unimaginable ordeal over several hours. The boy was incredibly courageous in helping bring his attacker to justice and ensure he poses no further risk to anyone.
“I would like to thank him and his family for their determination.”
Crabtree contacted the boy on Snapchat, using the name Will, and repeatedly sent him sexually explicit images.
He arranged to meet his victim in Worthing on 3 April, 2024. He picked him up in his car, drove him to a remote area near Goring Gap in Worthing and raped him.
Crabtree then drove the boy aro..
