A former University of Sussex student has been found guilty of a chilling string of sex attacks on five women – four his fellow students – following a major Sussex Police investigation.
Relentless Predator Targets Women Across Sussex and London
Alex Patel-Wells, 26, from Barnet, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday (16 October) for a series of brutal sex offences committed between 2018 and 2021. The jury found him guilty of multiple rapes and sexual assaults across Brighton and London.
The probe began when a brave woman reported being raped by Patel-Wells at a Brighton property on 31 October 2021. His swift arrest led to four more victims stepping forward, exposing a terrifying pattern of predatory attacks spanning several years.
Horror Timeline of Attacks
- A teenager was raped and sexually abused multiple times in Brighton between 2018 and 2019.
- Another woman was attacked while vulnerable at a London property during the same period.
- In 2020, Patel-Wells assaulted a woman at the University of Sussex campus.
- Four months later, he raped a victim at his home in Brighton.
Convicted on Most Charges – Sentencing Set for December
Patel-Wells faced five counts of rape, two sexual assaults, and two counts of assault by penetration. The jury convicted him of four rapes, two sexual assaults, and one assault by penetration. He was cleared of one rape and one assault by penetration charge.
He remains behind bars and will be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 19 December.
Police Hail Victims’ Courage and Call for More to Speak Out
“Patel-Wells is a committed sexual offender who targeted multiple women. Each of these brave women has shown incredible courage to come forward and support this investigation. Thanks to them, a predatory offender has been convicted and will face a significant prison sentence.” – Detective Constable Vicki Blythe
Detective Blythe urged any other victims to come forward: “Sussex Police is dedicated to supporting victims of sexual offences and securing the justice they deserve. If you have been a victim, please report in confidence online, via 101, or call 999 in an emergency.”
