A man has been found guilty of raping a teenage boy in a flat in central Brighton.
Rafael Nascimento, 38, approached the boy, who was 17, in the early hours of Sunday 10 August 2025 as the youngster was sitting on a bench in Dyke Road, not far from the Clock Tower.
Nascimento, also known as Rafael Nascimento-Capinan, was a Brazilian national who was visiting Brighton on holiday and had been due to fly home the next day.
He asked the teenager where he could buy cigarettes and then managed to gain his trust before taking him to the flat in nearby Regent Hill where the offences occurred.
Nascimento was arrested the same day after the incident was reported to the police promptly at about 5am.
He was initially charged with one count of rape of a male and appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 12 August.
He was later further charged with three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity.
Nascimento was remanded in custody to appear at the crown court for a trial by jury. He was later bailed to an address in of Coombe Rise, Saltdean.
On Tuesday 2 February, after just over two weeks, the jury at Lewes Crown Court found Nascimento guilty of four counts of rape and causing a person to engage in sexual activity. The jury found him not guilty of two counts of sexual assault.
Judge Mark Van Der Zwart remanded Nascimento in custody to await sentence on Friday 17 April.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, the senior investigating officer, said: “We cannot underestimate the importance of the victim’s bravery in coming forward and reporting this horrific crime so promptly.
“His action enabled officers to quickly identify, locate and arrest Nascimento within hours of the offence.
“During police inquiries, it was found that Nascimento was in the UK on holiday and was due to fly back to Brazil the day after the offence, making the victim’s early report even more crucial to the investigation.
“The jury has now returned their verdict and we await Nascimento’s sentencing in April.
“Sexual offences against men remain under‑reported yet every report matters. Victims can have confidence they will be believed, supported and fully protected.
“If you are a victim of a sexual crime, we understand that coming forward can feel difficult. We will investigate all reports thoroughly and you will be listened to, taken seriously and supported throughout the process.”
To make a report regarding any crime, you can contact police online or call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Coming here on holiday to rape people, what the hell.
Deport this monster as soon as his sentence has been served. What a shame there’s no better justice.