Boy raped by tourist in seaside city as he waited for public transport | UK | News
Rafael Nascimento jailed for horrific attack (Image: Sussex Police)
A young boy waiting for public transportation in a coastal city in England was raped by a Brazilian tourist. Rafael Nascimento, 38, was sentenced to 13 years in prison following the attack in Brighton on August 10 last year.
The 17-year-old victim was sitting on a bench in Dyke Road while waiting for public transport in the early hours of the morning. However, he was approached by Brazilian national Nascimento, who was on holiday in Brighton at the time. The 38-year-old started chatting with the young man and asked where he could buy cigarettes.
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The victim took Nascimento to a local shop before Brazilian directed them to a property in Regent Hill. The teenager was later raped inside the building.
Sussex Police officers were quickly alerted and Nascimento was arrested the same day after returning to the address. According to Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, the Brazilian was due to return home the next day.
The investigating officer protected the victim’s reputation for reporting the assault so quickly. He added that the Brazilian force might not have been able to arrest him if he had left the UK.
Nascimento pleaded not guilty to four charges of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 12 August 2025. But a jury found him guilty of four counts of rape and one count of inciting a person to engage in sexual activity at Lewes Crown Court on February 2 this year.
He was found not guilty of sexual assault charges before being taken into custody. On Friday, April 17, Nascimento was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
The victim was sitting on a bench on Dyke Road when Nascimento approached him. (Image: Google Maps Street View)
The rapist was due to return home to Brazil the day after the attack
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, Senior Investigating Officer at Sussex Police, said: “Once sentencing is complete, we would like to recognize the bravery and resilience shown by the victim throughout. “Their bravery in reporting the crime played a crucial role in helping us quickly identify, locate and capture a dangerous predator.
“Nascimento was visiting the UK on holiday and was due to return to Brazil the day after the crime. If he had delayed reporting the victims, there is a very good chance Nascimento would have fled the country before we had the chance to arrest him and bring him to justice.
“While nothing can undo the trauma the victim has experienced, we hope this sentence will provide some sense of closure and help them continue to heal.
“Sexual crimes can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, and it is vital that all victims are able to come forward. Crimes against men are often under-reported due to fear, shame or stigma.
“We want victims to know they can report to us with confidence. You will be listened to, treated with respect, supported throughout and your report will be taken seriously.”
