Brighton man arrested for holding vulnerable women captive and exploiting them
Victim’s brave call leads police to suspect
Police in Brighton have arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of imprisoning and exploiting vulnerable women. Officers were called to a Hollingdean property on Friday, 3 February, following a report of a woman being assaulted by a man.
The victim revealed the man often visited the property and had forcibly trapped her inside multiple times using violence and intimidation.
Suspect tracked down in Southwick
Using the victim’s description, officers quickly identified the suspect and found him at a property in Southwick later that day. Another woman found at the Southwick address also reported being falsely imprisoned by the same man. Police quickly safeguarded both victims.
Long list of serious charges
The suspect, who has no fixed address, was arrested on multiple charges including:
- Actual bodily harm
- Two counts of false imprisonment
- Participation in organised crime
- Making threats to kill
- Intentional strangulation
- Stalking causing fear of violence
- Failing to appear at court
He has been remanded in custody and is due in court on Monday, 6 February, over the outstanding warrant for failing to appear.
Police praise local knowledge and quick action
Chief Inspector Michelle Palmer-Harris said: “This was fine work by our officers, who proved once again there is no substitute for local knowledge. Following the initial call, they were able to swiftly identify and locate a suspect, which has meant two vulnerable people have now been safeguarded. I would like to commend all involved for their proactive response and reaffirm Sussex Police’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
