Brighton, East Sussex – 4 May 2025 — A man has been charged with rape following a serious sexual assault near Brighton Pier in the early hours of Thursday, 1 May.
Sam Soyoye, 31, of Windsor Street, Brighton, appeared in court on Saturday (3 May) and was remanded in custody.
The alleged rape occurred on Brighton Beach, a popular tourist spot, shortly after midnight. The female victim is receiving care from specially trained officers, Sussex Police confirmed.
In addition to the rape charge, Soyoye faces three charges of sexual assault in connection with a separate incident reported in September 2024 involving another woman.
Detective Inspector Kirstie Neal, of the Brighton Safeguarding Investigations Unit, said:
“Both victims are receiving support from specially trained officers, and we encourage all victims of rape or sexual offences to come forward and report it to the police.
Advice and information about how we conduct a rape or serious sexual assault investigation is available on our website, as well as advice about how to receive further support.”
Sussex Police are urging anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward. Reports can be made online or by calling 101, quoting serial 144 of 01/05.
