Rafael Nascimento

A harrowing sexual assault case unfolded in Brighton, East Sussex, where 38-year-old Brazilian national Rafael Nascimento was convicted of multiple serious sexual offences against a teenage boy. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 10, 2023, when the 17-year-old victim was sitting on a bench along Dyke Road, near the junction with North Street. Nascimento, who was in the UK on holiday, approached the teenager under the pretence of asking for directions to buy cigarettes.

According to court proceedings at Lewes Crown Court, Nascimento methodically worked to gain the boy's trust before luring him to a nearby flat in Regent Hill, where the attacks took place. The victim reported the incident to police shortly afterwards, leading to Nascimento's swift arrest on the same day. Investigations revealed that Nascimento was scheduled to fly back to Brazil the following day, underscoring the critical timing of the report.

Initially charged with one count of rape of a male, Nascimento appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on August 12, 2023. He was subsequently charged with additional offences, including three further counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity. The case proceeded to a two-week trial at Lewes Crown Court, where on February 2, 2024, a jury found him guilty on four counts of rape and the charge of causing a person to engage in sexual activity. He was acquitted on the two sexual assault charges.

Nascimento was remanded in custody pending sentencing scheduled for April 17, 2024. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett of Sussex Police commended the victim's bravery, stating: "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." Cobbett also highlighted the under-reporting of sexual offences against men and assured potential victims of thorough support and investigation.

The case, reported by The Argus, draws attention to the vulnerabilities exploited in transient encounters and the effectiveness of prompt police response in securing justice. Nascimento's actions not only violated the trust of a young individual but also prompted a broader conversation on victim support within the criminal justice system.