A MAN has been charged with alleged sexual assault at Pavilion Gardens.
The incident reportedly took place in Brighton city center shortly before midnight on Wednesday
A 17-year-old girl walked into the gardens with two suspects via East Street and North Street.
After the alleged assault, they walked together along Old Steine and into Pool Valley, where the victim was assisted by members of the public.
A man and a boy were arrested after a police investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service has since authorized the man’s indictment.
Ashley Lewis, 35, of Gloucester Gardens, London, is charged with sexual assault and theft of personal items, including a bag, bank card and mobile phone, belonging to the victim.
He was remanded in custody to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on June 7.
A 17-year-old boy, arrested on suspicion of rape, remains on bail until July 1, pending further investigations.
Officers are still calling on anyone who has witnessed anything suspicious in the East Street or Pavilion Gardens area to come forward.
Detective Inspector Carrie Williams, of the Brighton and Hove Safeguard Investigation Unit, said: ‘We are working to establish the circumstances of this incident and are calling for the public’s help.
“If you have witnessed any suspicious behavior in the Pavilion Gardens and East Street area between 11:20 PM June 2 and 12:10 AM June 3, or have any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, please report it to us online or call 101, citing Operation Vernis.
“We take reports of this nature very seriously and are grateful to members of the public who have come forward to help the victim.
“She is currently supported by specially trained officers and officers will conduct high visibility patrols in the area to reassure the community.”
“This incident is being treated as isolated and it is not believed that there is a threat to the community at large.”
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-07 07:31:51
