George Ellis, 41, from Chessington, London, and Mark Lett, 43, of Esher, Surrey, walked free after being found not guilty of rape following a tense trial at Hove Crown Court.
Serious Charges Dropped
The pair were arrested in December 2024 over an alleged attack on a 19-year-old man in Steine Lane, Brighton, on December 21 that year. Both denied all allegations.
- Accused of raping a 19-year-old man
- Charged with causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent
- Faced additional assault-related charges
However, the jury acquitted Ellis and Lett of the rape and sexual activity charges. Meanwhile, the assault charges were dropped during the trial.
No Further Action, Jury Verdict Respected
Both men now face no further police action. Due to legal restrictions, the identity of the complainant, then aged 19, remains protected.
Detective Inspector Sean Booth said: “We are aware of the conclusion of a trial involving two defendants accused of the rape of a man and other sexual offences at Hove Crown Court. Following a thorough police investigation, the case has now concluded and we respect the verdict of the jury.”
