Man charged with rape of teenage boy in Brighton
A man will appear at Lewes Crown Court on September 9th.
Police received a report that at around 5am on Sunday, August 10, the 17-year-old boy was sitting on a bench in Dyke Road, when he was approached by a man. He asked the boy for help finding a shop that was open.
The victim assisted the man, but was then taken to an address in Regent Hill where the rape was reported to have taken place.
Police launched an investigation and a 38-year-old man from Brazil was arrested near to the Regent Hill property in connection with enquiries.
Rafael Nascimento, of no fixed address, was charged with rape in the early hours of this morning. He then appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court today. Nascimento was remanded into custody pending his next hearing at Lewes Crown Court on September 9.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, said, "A dedicated team has been working diligently, swiftly, and thoroughly to ensure all lines of enquiry are fully progressed."
"The victim will continue to be supported throughout this process, and following their bravery in making a report, officers quickly identified a person of interest, and they have since been charged and remanded. "
"Officers have continued to carry out enquiries in the Regent Hill area, and as a result, a heightened police presence has been visible. This forms part of our ongoing work to support the investigation and to provide reassurance to the community. "
"We remain committed to protecting the public from those who seek to harm others. We are here to listen, to support, and to take action."
"If you have information to report in connection with ongoing enquiries, we ask you contact police"
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.