Brighton Rapist Jailed

Thursday, 24 June 2021 15:40

By Jade McLean

A man has been sentenced for raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in Brighton.

Sam Kesete, 21, a student and part-time shop worker, of Canterbury Drive in Brighton appeared before Hove Crown Court for sentencing today (Thursday, June 24th).

He had earlier admitted to raping a 21-year-old woman in his flat last November 28th and sexually assaulting, by touching, an 18-year-old woman outside a bar on Brighton seafront's Kings Road Arches last September 18th.

He will have to serve at least ten years before being considered for release on supervised licence, and even if released before serving 15 years will have to serve a further six years on licence.

Kesete will also be a registered sex offender for life.

Detective Constable Elaine Welsh of the Brighton Safeguarding Investigations Unit said:

"The 21-year-old woman was walking home along Oxford Street off London Road in the early hours of 28 November last year when she enountered Kesete, who forced her to his nearby flat where he raped her before eventually allowing her to leave, walking with her to her own home.

"This was an absolutely frightening experience for his victim, who fortunately contacted friends and the police right away, enabling us to start a prompt investigation.

"Previously in the early hours of 18 September, Kesete had been with friends and a group of other people outside a night club on Brighton seafront when he sexually assaulted an 18-year-old girl who was a member of that group.

"She and others immediately challenged him and he was ejected from the club."

Officers say they had been searching for him since then and the good description of the assailant in November was clearly a potential link to the first assault.

"These were two isolated but very serious offences and people in Brighton are safer as a result of the investigation, and now his sentence.

"Investigating such offences is a top priority for us, as well as ensuring that victims receive specialist support.

"The victim of Kesete's attack in November has been very brave and has supported our investigation throughout, but this has had a major impact on her which will clearly be long lasting."

For more information on reporting sex offences and the support available see the Sussex Police website at https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/what-happens-after-you-report-rape-or-sexual-assault/