A 45-year-old man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in Brighton.
James Scott, who has no fixed address, approached a woman he did not know in the St James’s Street area of the city on 7 June. Witnesses saw him grab the victim and sexually assault her while she was not fully conscious and unable to give consent.
During the incident, Scott gave the woman alcohol and later claimed she was his girlfriend when challenged by members of the public. The pair had never met before.
Members of the public intervened and contacted police, allowing officers to quickly attend the scene and arrest Scott.
Scott appeared at Lewes Crown Court in December, where he was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Detective Inspector Kirstie Neal praised the actions of the witnesses who stepped in to help the victim and thanked the woman for her bravery in supporting the investigation. Police said the sentence ensures a dangerous offender has been removed from the streets.
Sussex Police continue to encourage anyone affected by sexual assault to report it and seek specialist support.
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