Jail time for man found guilty of rape in Brighton

A man has been jailed after being found guilty of rape and then stealing the victims handbag in Brighton. 

Javon Raffington-Paul, 21, befriended the victim, a 21-year-old female, whilst she was on a night out with friends in October last year. Raffington-Paul took the female to East Street before raping her and then stealing her bag. He subsequently used the victims bank card to go on a shopping spree before being caught by an off-duty police officer a week later. He was charged and remanded to prison until his trial where he was found guilty and sentenced to eight years in prison. 

Detective Constable Elaine Welsh said: "The victim’s strength, courage and bravery enabled the police to take a dangerous and manipulative offender off the streets. Despite her trauma, she is continuing her studies and is recovering. I would also like to pay tribute to the two passers by who found her and looked after her until she was safe.

"We take all reports of such offences seriously and we will investigate thoroughly. We have specially trained officers to support victims and where possible we will endeavour to bring offenders to justice."