A 38-year-old man has been remanded in custody after a 17-year-old boy reported being raped at a property in Regent Hill, Brighton.
Sussex Police said officers received a report that around 5am on Sunday, 10 August, the victim was sitting on a bench in Dyke Road, near the North Street junction, when a man approached and asked for help finding an open shop. The boy assisted and was then taken to an address in Regent Hill, where the rape was reportedly carried out.
A swift investigation led to the arrest of Rafael Nascimento, 38, of no fixed address and originally from Brazil, near the property. He was charged with rape in the early hours of Tuesday, 12 August, and appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court later the same day. He was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, 9 September.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, the senior investigating officer, said:“A dedicated team has been working diligently, swiftly, and thoroughly to ensure all lines of enquiry are fully progressed. The victim will continue to be supported throughout this process, and following their bravery in making a report, officers quickly identified a person of interest, and they have since been charged and remanded.Officers have continued to carry out enquiries in the Regent Hill area, resulting in a heightened police presence to support the investigation and provide reassurance to the community. We remain committed to protecting the public from those who seek to harm others. We are here to listen, to support, and to take action.”
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage who may have been in the Dyke Road/North Street area between 4.30am and 5.30am on Sunday, 10 August.
Appeal for information
If you have information that could assist the investigation, contact police quoting Operation Scotney, or report online or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers.
