Brighton rapist who 'dragged' and 'choke held' his victims is jailed

A man who raped one woman and attempted to rape another in Brighton has been jailed for 20 years with an additional five years on extended licence. Police said Andrew Ford, 23, was described by his Honour Judge David Rennie as a "violent" and "dangerous" individual when he was sentenced at Hove Crown Court today (Wednesday, 18). It follows two incidents involving two different women in the city. Officers said they were called in the early hours of June 8 last year over concerns for a woman in distress who was seen running from the Royal Pavilion Gardens. It was established the woman had been subjected to a violent incident in which an unknown man forcibly dragged her into a fenced off area and attempted to rape her. Police said that despite his attempts to change his appearance and clear his tracks, CCTV images lead to his identification as Ford, a labourer, of Bramble Way, Brighton. Police said Ford was then arrested and charged with attempted rape and false imprisonment, and remanded in custody. Another woman who saw the image came forward to report offences of rape and coercive behaviour by Ford, including one report of being raped after having an abortion. These offences were alleged to have taken place at an address in Brighton between August 2015 and May 2017, according to officers. He was subsequently arrested and charged with these offences. In July last year he pleaded guilty to the two offences at Royal Pavilion Gardens, but denied the other two offences. A trial was scheduled for February 3 at the same court and he was found guilty by jury on February 10. Ford was sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment today (Wednesday, 18), which includes a five-year extended licence term. Judge Rennie said: "In the experienced probation officer’s view, you clearly demonstrated in your mistreatment of these two women a pattern of violent behaviour, including rape and attempted rape, as well as coercion and control. "He concludes that you present a high risk of serious harm to the public. "This may involve the use of force – such as a choke hold used on both victims – to secure compliance, thereby creating a high risk of death or serious injury. "I fully agree with all of his conclusions, and the evidence-based way in which he reached them. Even without his report I would have found you dangerous." Judge Rennie also commended the two “very courageous and impressive” victims, and condemned Ford’s act of “betrayal” and “utter contempt” for the women. DS Sophie Tullett said: "Andrew Ford is a dangerous individual who expressed violent and predatory instincts against two vulnerable women, and I’d like to commend them for their courage in helping to support this prosecution. "In the first reported instance, Ford was seen to walk past a woman unknown to him in the Royal Pavilion Gardens. "He then turned around and ran towards the victim, and violently dragged her into a fenced area of overgrowth where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault. "A short time later, he ran away from the scene and visited Good News newsagents in Castle Square, where he purchased adult magazines. "He later revisited the scene in an attempt to clear his tracks. "We also know that Ford visited Platinum Lace strip club in the city prior to the incident, and this information helped us to paint a picture of his behaviour and his intentions. "Our appeal prompted a report from a second victim, who gave evidence of coercive and controlling behaviour by Ford. "She also reported being raped by him at her home after she had an abortion. "In both cases, Ford used a distinctive choke hold to gain control and power over his victims. "On arrest it was evident Ford had shaved his head in an attempt to alter his appearance, and did his best to evade capture. "However, thanks to the local community and social media users, we were quickly able to identify him and it was only a matter of time before he was arrested. "This was a thorough investigation involving extensive enquiries, including obtaining CCTV from various premises, and I’d like to thank everyone involved who helped us to bring this violent offender to justice. "I’d specifically like to thank the security team at Royal Pavilion Gardens for their cooperation throughout this investigation. "I’d also like to reassure anyone who has been a victim of a sexual or domestic assault that we are here to help; no one should have to suffer in silence.  "If you wish to report an incident, you can contact your local officer, visit your local station or report it online or by calling 101. "You can also report it anonymously to Crimestoppers." 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