A 68-year-old man who terrorized women by posing as an Uber driver has been jailed for a second time following a shocking retrial.
Graham Head, from Pevensey near Eastbourne, prowled the streets of Brighton and Hove at night, carrying latex gloves, condoms, Viagra, a balaclava, and a sinister “rape kit” in his car.
First Conviction Overturned but Danger Remained
Head’s first conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal in November 2024 due to a complaint he lodged about the judge in the original trial.
However, his retrial in June reaffirmed the verdict.
At Lewes Crown Court, a new jury found him guilty of kidnapping, attempted rape, and assault by penetration involving two women in Brighton.
On Friday, August 29, his original sentence of 23 years in prison was reimposed.
Predator Who Preyed on Vulnerable Women
Despite overwhelming evidence, Head continues to maintain his innocence.
During the retrial, it emerged that he drove around central Brighton looking for “suitable” victims—often young women who were vulnerable.
Posing as a taxi driver, he would lure them into his car before inflicting disturbing acts of violence.
Her Honour Judge Christine Laing KC warned that Head posed an ongoing risk, noting that he refused to accept the violent nature of his actions.
“You are the very definition of dangerous,” she told him.
Victims’ Harrowing Experiences
One of Head’s victims, a 25-year-old woman who tragically passed away in December 2024, recalled waking in the back of his car to find him trying to remove her clothes.
She managed to fight him off and memorized part of his personalized number plate before he drove away.
Her mother told the court that the trauma robbed her daughter of a bright and promising future.
The victim had gotten into the car after Head claimed he was an Uber driver offering a free ride home in the early hours of November 18, 2022.
She reported the attack to 999, describing a man in latex gloves and a Covid mask driving a car with a registration beginning L21.
Evidence That Sealed the Case
Police quickly located Head near the scene. When questioned, he denied interacting with anyone, insisting he was returning to Pevensey.
Officers discovered his car contained latex gloves, condoms, Viagra, and a balaclava, while further searches at his home revealed incapacitating spray and an extendable baton.
Head tried to claim he had not posed as an Uber driver and denied any sexual assault, insisting he merely drove the woman to her home.
His phone records, however, showed flight mode usage and suspicious internet searches, including queries about tracking mobile phones and nightclub opening times.
Second Victim and Earlier Attack
The retrial also recounted another attack on a 19-year-old woman in August 2022.
Head picked her up in central Brighton, took her to a park in Hove, and dragged her into the bushes before she managed to escape.
CCTV footage tracked his movements, and he was ultimately found guilty of assaulting both young women.
Families Speak Out
Both victims’ families delivered powerful statements.
The mother of the 25-year-old victim said her daughter died knowing she would have to endure another trial, describing her final words as, “Help me, please, mum.
I am in hell. I cannot go through another horrendous trial again.”
She stressed the lasting impact of Head’s attacks, which left her daughter unable to work, suffering from agoraphobia, and stripped of independence and freedom.
Her Honour Judge Laing emphasized Head’s predatory behavior and the extreme risk he poses to young women.
“You were driving around central Brighton clearly looking for a suitable victim,” she said, reaffirming his sentence of 23 years.
Support for Victims and Recognition
The judge also announced that a posthumous High Sheriff’s medal will be awarded to the family of the 25-year-old victim, recognizing the courage that helped bring Head to justice.
Victims’ families praised the Police, CPS, Sexual Offences Investigation Team, and ISVA service for their unwavering support throughout the trials.
What Happens Next
Head remains in prison, serving his reimposed sentence for kidnapping, attempted rape, and sexual assault.
Investigators continue to believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, underscoring the ongoing vigilance required to keep vulnerable women safe.
