A Bognor Regis man who attacked two people in the town centre has been convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court. Patrik Lis, 31, of Sussex Street, was found guilty of multiple offences, including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and actual bodily harm, following two violent incidents in Bognor Regis.
On 20 June 2023, Sussex Police received a report of a rape during the early hours of the morning off The Esplanade near the beach in Bognor Regis. An investigation was immediately launched, and the 22-year-old victim was provided with specialist support from officers.
Lis was arrested in September and released on bail under strict conditions while evidence was gathered. However, on 2 July 2024, a second report of rape was received, allegedly occurring around 5 am off London Road in Bognor Regis. The victim in this case, a 51-year-old woman, also received specialist support.
Detectives swiftly linked the two incidents and identified Lis as the primary suspect. Neither victim was known to him. Following his second arrest in July 2024, Lis was charged and remanded in custody.
On Wednesday, 12 March, Lis was convicted of rape, two counts of attempted rape, two counts of causing actual bodily harm, two counts of sexual assault, as well as one count each of intentional suffocation and assault by penetration. He has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing on 2 May.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett commented: “These were appalling, violent attacks on two victims who had a right to feel safe in public. Both victims have shown incredible bravery in reporting these crimes and supporting the investigation, despite the trauma they have endured.
“Thanks to their courage and the dedication of the investigative team, Lis will now face justice for his crimes. The streets of Sussex are safer as a result.”
Police continue to urge victims of sexual offences to come forward and report incidents. “We know that reporting crimes like these is not easy, but our officers and partners are specially trained to support victims, believe them, and work tirelessly to secure justice,” DCI Cobbett added.
Anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences can report incidents online, via 101, or by calling 999 in an emergency.
