The North Mead Rapist from Chichester, George de Bathe, has been convicted in court for abusing and controlling five women, including many instances of rape.
From 2015 to 2019, George de Bathe, 25, of North Mead in Chichester, inflicted a series of physical, sexual, and psychological abuses upon the victims.
All victims are currently women in their twenties, having been in their mid to late teens at the time of the offences.
George de Bathe endeavoured to regulate their conduct in distinct interactions, dictating whom they might associate with and when, as well as the attire they could don.
George de Bathe employed violence and intimidation to dominate people, including knife threats and assaults so brutal that they would lose consciousness.
Several victims were prevented from attending work, had their activities monitored via mobile phones, and were confined in his vehicle while he drove recklessly.
Four victims alleged that they were raped or sexually attacked by him, with some incidents occurring on many occasions.
In April 2018, one victim informed Sussex Police that she had been subjected to abuse by de Bathe for several months.
She also reached out to several ladies associated with George de Bathe to alert them to his conduct and ascertain whether they had encountered similar encounters.
De Bathe was apprehended and released on bail under stringent conditions while evidence was collected.
Law enforcement established communication with the other women described by the primary victim, resulting in the identification of four additional victims during the inquiry.
In January 2024, after an intricate investigation, George de Bathe was indicted on six counts of rape, eight counts of actual bodily injury, five counts of coercive and controlling conduct, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of wrongful detention, and one count of making threats to kill.
George de Bathe was detained in detention.
On Tuesday, April 29, after a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, de Bathe was convicted of all charges save one count of real bodily harm, for which he was acquitted.
He is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on Friday, July 11.
Detective Constable Jon Petroulas stated: “George de Bathe has exhibited a distinct pattern of manipulating women, subsequently disclosing his violent, controlling, and sexually abusive tendencies.”
“The lives of each of these women were rendered miserable by George de Bathe, and they must endure the trauma of his offenses.”
“They have demonstrated remarkable bravery in sharing their experiences with Sussex Police and have supported a lengthy and intricate investigation until its resolution.”
Deputy Officer in Charge, Detective Constable Maddie Ursell, stated: “This case serves as a further reminder of the significance of initiatives like Clare’s Law, which permits the police to reveal if a new partner possesses a history of violent criminality.”
Sussex Police is a prominent authority in Clare’s Law disclosures [WHAT AN ABSOLUTE LOAD OF CRAP, THEY ARE ONE OF THE WORST IN THE COUNTRY], delivering potentially life-saving information more rapidly than previously. For additional details, refer to “Request information under Clare’s Law: Submit a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Sussex Police.”
Karen Cushing of the Crown Prosecution Service stated: “George De Bathe exerted considerable pressure and manipulation on these women, frequently threatening them and, at times, actualising those threats with physical violence.”
“None of us can fathom the terror they endured due to his controlling and coercive behaviour, which ensured that after isolating them from their nearest relations, he could dictate every aspect of their lives and even deprive them of sleep.
The devastating effect he had on the victims was evident from their testimonies and from those nearest to them, who all described the alterations in the behaviour they observed in their loved ones.
We express our gratitude to the victims in this case for their willingness to speak out. Notwithstanding his assertion to one lady that law enforcement was powerless against him and that prosecution was unattainable, we successfully constructed a robust and persuasive case against De Bathe, thereby facilitating justice for the women he endeavoured to influence and dominate.
UPDATE 12.07.25
A guy from Chichester, convicted of raping and exerting control over many women, has been sentenced to imprisonment.
Sussex Police reported that George De Bathe, residing in North Mead, Chichester, inflicted a ‘record of physical, sexual, and psychological violence’ upon his victims over a span of four years.
A 25-year-old individual was convicted on April 29, after a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, of six counts of rape, five counts of controlling or coercive behaviour, two counts of sexual assault, seven counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of making a threat to kill, and two counts of false imprisonment.
On Friday, July 11, a representative of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that a man convicted of raping and exerting control over five women for four years has received a 17-year jail term, which has been extended by an additional five years.
George De Bathe, 25, isolated the victims from their family and friends, exerting control through various means, including commandeering their phones and social media, dictating their attire and diet, and regulating their social interactions.
He threatened self-harm and exerted control over their sleep, insisting they respond to his messages incessantly throughout the night.
“He would also sexually assault them and inflict physical violence upon them.” One woman was rendered unconscious multiple times, while another was menaced with a knife prior to being strangled.
Several women expressed apprehension that he intended to murder them.
De Bathe was apprehended following a report made to Sussex Police by one of his victims in 2018. According to the authorities, she had endured abuse for several months.
She additionally reached out to several women associated with De Bathe to ‘alert them to his conduct’ and ‘ascertain whether they had encountered analogous circumstances,’ according to the police.
George De Bathe attempted to manipulate his victims’ behaviours in distinct relationships, dictating their social interactions and attire.
The police reported that De Bathe was apprehended and released on bail under stringent conditions while evidence was collected.
The police contacted the other ladies mentioned by the initial victim, resulting in the identification of four other victims during the inquiry.
Four victims have publicly articulated, through Sussex Police, the enduring effects of de Bathe’s offences:
“Prior to my acquaintance with de Bathe, I was resolutely independent—intelligent, extroverted, and vivacious.” I possessed self-awareness and conducted myself with assurance and fortitude.
Everything was methodically and gradually dismantled. During my time with de Bathe, I felt insignificant and useless as a result of persistent belittlement and devaluation.
His harshness was deliberate; it was ruthless.
The emotional abuse stripped me of my confidence, identity, and vitality. While I am rediscovering and reconstructing my identity, I am not the individual I previously was. The scars persist.
“Had I not entered that police station to obtain a restraining order, I firmly believe that George de Bathe would have ultimately killed me.”
I was shocked after delivering my statement and recounting the events of the preceding months, only to grasp the gravity of the charges filed in accordance with my account.
I was astonished, having been thoroughly taught to believe that everything the abuse I endured, whether physical or psychological, was a direct consequence of my actions.
I had a sense of separation when seated in my childhood house, really needing to use the loo, yet refraining from doing so due to my conditioning that required me to seek permission first.
Or awakening in a pool of perspiration, contemplating my failure to deliver the requisite hourly apology, as mandated by him. Or when I would exit the house and get a panic episode upon encountering a vehicle that resembled his.
Upon seeing my college report, I recognised that I had forfeited the university position I had diligently pursued for years, as my grades had significantly deteriorated amidst the turmoil caused by him.
“He eliminated the carefree [name] and substituted her with a frightened, isolated girl who continues to struggle with trust issues.” The emotional wounds will persist indefinitely.
It is only now, three years later, that I have begun to reconstruct my life after it was dismantled, thanks to my exceptionally supportive family, therapy, and my own resolve to prevent George from entirely destroying my existence, which he nearly accomplished.
I am a resilient lady in contrast to the frightened 15-year-old girl I once was, and I wish to prevent others from experiencing what I endured.
“Enduring this trauma and unresolved anguish for the past six years has been the most challenging experience of my life; however, I believe it will be worthwhile if it ensures that George is prevented from inflicting harm on others.”
I am immensely proud of my 18-year-old self for possessing the guts to approach the police, and I am confident that if she could witness my progress six years later, she would also take pride in my ongoing advocacy for her.
George is a highly perilous, manipulative, and calculating character who must be halted before he inflicts further harm on women.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.