Chichester Horror: Man Jailed for Abuse of Five Young Women
George de Bathe’s Sickening Reign of Terror
A 25-year-old Chichester man has been found guilty of a brutal campaign of abuse against five young women. George de Bathe, from North Mead, was convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court of six counts of rape, actual bodily harm (ABH), sexual assault, false imprisonment, and coercive controlling behaviour.
Years of Abuse Between 2015 and 2019
Between 2015 and 2019, de Bathe targeted teenage victims—now in their twenties—during separate relationships. He controlled every aspect of their lives:
- Dictated who they could meet
- Forced what they wore and where they worked
- Tracked them via phone
- Threatened them with knives
- Locked them in cars and drove dangerously
- Physically assaulted them, leaving some unconscious
Four women reported being raped or sexually assaulted, several on multiple occasions.
Brave Women Bring Monster to Justice
The nightmare only broke in April 2018 when one victim went to Sussex Police and urged others to speak out. This sparked a thorough investigation uncovering four more victims and enough evidence to charge de Bathe with 24 offences in January 2024.
On 29 April 2025, a jury convicted him on all but one charge; he was cleared of a single ABH count. Sentencing is set for Friday, 11 July 2025, at Portsmouth Crown Court.
Police Praise Victims’ Courage
Detective Constable Jon Petroulas: “George de Bathe demonstrated a disturbing pattern of manipulating, isolating, and abusing women. The bravery of these victims has led to him finally being held accountable.”
DC Maddie Ursell: “This case is a clear reminder of how vital early interventions like Clare’s Law are.”
Karen Cushing, Crown Prosecution Service: “Despite de Bathe’s threats, these courageous women stood firm. Their strength made this conviction possible.”
Help Is Out There
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, contact Sussex Police or reach out to support groups such as Refuge, Women’s Aid, or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline. Don’t suffer in silence.
