A judge has jailed a man who raped a woman at knifepoint in the centre of Brighton for 13 years.
Philip Smith, 29, was jailed at Hove Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 25 June) by Judge Christine Henson who presided over his trial earlier this year.
She heard that Smith had attacked the woman outside Brighton Town Hall and – thanks to her quick-thinking – he was arrested by police in nearby Quadrophenia Alley.
The 31-year-old victim, who cannot be identified by law, managed to contact a friend who was in the area. The friend went to the scene and disturbed Smith, who fled, and called the police.
Police officers on patrol found Smith who matched the description received. He was found in Quadrophenia Alley, off Little East Street, and had two knives and class A drugs on him.
At the time, Smith was already on bail for sexually assaulting another woman and was waiting to be sentenced.
After a jury convicted Smith in February, Sussex Police said: “Brighton man Philip Smith has been convicted of raping a woman at knifepoint in the city centre.
“At around 3.30am on Saturday 9 August 2025, police received a third-party report that a woman had just been raped by a stranger in Bartholomew Square.
“She said that the man had threatened her with a knife and raped her on a public bench. The victim – a 31-year-old woman – was able to contact a friend near by who rushed to the scene and disturbed the attacker.
“An emergency call came into Sussex Police with a description of the suspect and, 45 minutes later, Philip Smith was arrested at the entrance of Quadrophenia Alley, in Little East Street.
“Smith matched the victim’s description and was found to be in possession of multiple knives, including one that matched the victim’s account, as well as class A drugs.
“The 28-year-old, of no fixed address, was arrested and taken into custody. While in custody, Smith exposed himself to two women inside Brighton Custody Centre.
“He was subsequently charged with two counts of rape, two counts of indecent exposure and one count each of being in possession of a class A drug and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was remanded in custody.
“At the time of the offence, Smith was on court bail awaiting sentencing for the sexual assault of a woman in Brighton on Tuesday 5 August 2025.
“He denied the two rape charges but pleaded guilty to all other offences. Following a trial at Hove Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of both counts of rape on Thursday (26 February).”
The police operation that followed the attack was known as Op Timeline and the key evidence had to go before a jury after Smith denied two charges of rape.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour said: “This was a horrific ordeal for the victim in the centre of Brighton.
“She was able to send a message to a friend in order to get help, and the friend’s actions and swift arrest ensured that Smith has been brought to justice.
“Tackling violence against woman and girls is a priority for Sussex Police. This case demonstrates our determination to catch dangerous offenders and we are pleased that Smith is now serving a significant custodial sentence.”
After his conviction in February, Detective Constable Rachel Cutts said: “Philip Smith subjected this woman to a horrific ordeal in the city centre in an area where she had every right to feel safe.
“Thanks to her quick-thinking to seek help, the prompt action of her friend and the rapid response of our officers, a dangerous offender has been brought to justice.
“I would like to commend all of the victims impacted by Smith’s offending for supporting this investigation through extremely challenging circumstances.
“We will continue to work hard alongside our partners to protect women and girls in Brighton and Hove while ensuring victims are supported and offenders brought to justice should the worst happen.”
