Three Men Convicted of Rape After Brighton Seafront Attack
A jury at Hove Crown Court has found three men guilty of rape following a five‑week trial into an attack on a woman who became separated from friends during a night out on the Brighton seafront.
The Verdicts
Three men have been convicted of rape after a jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts at Hove Crown Court on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The case centred on an incident in the early hours of October 4, 2025, when a woman was targeted while in an incapacitated state on the Brighton seafront.
Two of the defendants — Abdulla Ahmadi and Ibrahim Alshafe — were each found guilty of two counts of rape. A third man, Karin Al‑Danasurt, was convicted of four counts of rape as a secondary party after prosecutors demonstrated that he filmed the assault, encouraging and facilitating the crimes.
How the Attack Unfolded
The court heard that the victim had become separated from her friends during a night out in Brighton. While alone and vulnerable, she was approached by the three men, who moved her to a secluded area of the beach.
Prosecutors described the attack as a “cynical, predatory and callous” act. The jury was shown digital evidence, including mobile phone footage, which formed a central part of the prosecution case.
Inside the Courtroom
Throughout the five‑week trial, the defence teams argued that the encounter had been consensual. The jury rejected these claims after more than 16 hours of deliberation, concluding that the men had deliberately targeted the woman while she was incapacitated and unable to consent.
Prosecutors emphasised that Al‑Danasurt’s decision to film the assault demonstrated active participation, making him criminally responsible as a secondary party.
Response from Authorities
Following the verdicts, the Crown Prosecution Service and Sussex Police praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation. They highlighted that her decision to report the attack was instrumental in securing the convictions.
All three men were remanded in custody and will return to Hove Crown Court for sentencing on July 15, 2026.