Brighton man found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting young women and children

A man has been found guilty of crimes against six victims, including rape, sexual abuse and assault.

Shane Gibbs, 35, was found guilty of 15 offenses following a trial, including rape and other serious sexual and violent offences.

Between October and December 2023, Gibbs preyed on children and vulnerable women in the Brighton and Hove area.

During those months, he lived a seemingly nomadic life, moving between hotel rooms and various Airbnb properties on and around the beach. He gave the victims enough drugs (including GHB) and alcohol to prevent them from raping and sexually assaulting Gibbs at several locations along the city’s waterfront.

A woman was subjected to a prolonged attack during which she was strangled until she passed out.

Two of the six victims were only 15 years old at the time of the sexual abuse attacks.

Emma Lile, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Gibbs was a sexual predator who prowled the Brighton coastline preying on vulnerable young women for his own disgusting purposes.

“We would like to give a special thank you to the victims who came forward to report these crimes and gave evidence to the court about their horrific experiences.

“These convictions send a very clear message that the CPS, working with law enforcement, will relentlessly seek justice and prosecute those who harass or sexually abuse women.

“I encourage all victims of violence against women and girls to report crimes committed against them. It is never too late to seek justice; You are not alone and help is available.”

To deal with some of the more complex and challenging child sexual abuse cases such as this, the CPS has a dedicated Organized Child Sexual Exploitation Unit to share expert insight, build strong cases and increase the number of successful prosecutions.