A serious incident in Brighton has left the community reeling after a 33-year-old woman was allegedly raped on the city’s beach in the early hours of Saturday, October 5.
The woman had been at a nightclub before the attack, police confirmed.
Three Men Arrested Following Alleged Attack
Authorities quickly arrested three men in connection with the case.
They are Abdulla Ahmadi, 25, an Iranian national from Crewe, Cheshire, and two Egyptian nationals, Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, and Ibrahim Alshafe, 25.
Both Egyptians listed their address as an asylum hotel near Horsham, West Sussex.
Crawley Magistrates’ Court heard that Al-Danasurt is also being investigated for suspected immigration offences.
Alshafe appeared in court following the rejection of his asylum claim the previous day. All three men are charged with two counts of rape and have confirmed their names and dates of birth through interpreters.
Details Presented in Court
Prosecutors described the alleged attack as a “stranger rape” that took place on Brighton Beach.
Melanie Wootton told the court: “Dragging a female to Brighton Beach and subjecting a female to a pretty terrifying ordeal.”
Ahmadi, who appeared in a separate hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court, was also charged with two counts of rape.
Prosecutor Maria Goptareva explained: “The victim was vulnerable and intoxicated.
She was approached by the three males, taken to a secluded area on the beach, and allegedly raped by all three.”
All three suspects have been remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court next month.
Police Praise Victim’s Bravery and Ongoing Investigation
A Sussex Police spokesperson confirmed the attack took place along Brighton’s lower esplanade.
Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour emphasized the speed and thoroughness of the investigation: “This has been a fast-paced investigation with all three suspects identified through thorough investigative work.
I commend the bravery of the victim who we continue to support with specialist officers.”
Harbour also addressed public concern: “I understand how distressing this incident will be for the community. Our dedicated partnership operations to protect women and girls will continue in earnest.
Three men have been remanded in custody, and we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.”