Woman raped by knife-wielding beast in seaside city centre | UK | News

A man who raped a woman in Brighton city center after threatening her with a knife has been jailed. Philip Smith, 29, attacked the woman in the early hours of August 9, 2025, in what investigators described as a “horrifying ordeal”.

Smith was later stopped by officers and found in an alley near the beach with two knives in his hand. He was also in possession of class A drugs, according to Sussex Police. Police said Smith approached the victim, a woman in her 30s, in Bartholomew Square and threatened her with a knife to rape her.

Smith fled the scene of the attack after being harassed by a friend the victim had contacted.

After his arrest, Smith exposed himself to two women at Brighton Detention Center and was taken into custody.

Following the trial, Smith, of no fixed address, was found guilty of two counts of rape and sentenced to 13 years in prison at Hove Crown Court on Thursday.

The court was told Smith was on bail awaiting sentencing for the sexual assault of a woman in Brighton on August 5, 2025.

He was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of indecent exposure and one count each of possession of a Class A drug and possession of a sharp instrument in a public place.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour said: “This was a horrific ordeal for the victim in central Brighton.

“He was able to text a friend for help and his friend’s actions and swift arrest enabled Smith to be brought to justice.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Sussex Police.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to catching dangerous criminals, and we are pleased that Smith is now serving a significant prison sentence.”