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A man from Brighton, charged with child sexual offences, has been convicted in court. Callum Thewlis, 24, from Moulsecoomb Way, faced two charges of raping a girl between 13 and 15 years old and two charges of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl in the same age group. This case emerged from a 2018 report by a teenage girl who claimed she was raped twice. She received support from specialist officers, prompting a detailed investigation.

Thewlis was 17 at the time of the alleged crimes and was arrested in February 2018. After a comprehensive investigation, he was charged and appeared in court. In a hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on February 16, 2023, Thewlis pleaded not guilty to the rape charges but admitted to the charges of engaging in penetrative sexual activity.

However, at Lewes Crown Court on November 10, Thewlis was acquitted by a jury of both rape charges. He is scheduled for sentencing on December 20 at a yet-to-be-determined court.

Detective Sergeant Gemma Holley said: “This conviction will rightly see Callum Thewlis face justice for his crimes, but his victim must live with their impact for the rest of her life.

“I would like to thank her for reporting to us and supporting the investigation through to its conclusion. This result would not have been possible without her bravery and strength.

“If you or someone you know are a victim of sexual offences, please report to police online or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”