A Brighton man, Peter Phillips, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and sexual assault of a vulnerable woman, whom he had previously groomed and exploited with money and narcotics.
Peter Phillips, 61, of Maderia Place, Brighton, was sentenced to life imprisonment at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 20. Phillips had previously pleaded guilty to the rape and sexual assault by penetration of a woman aged 16 or older.
After a 34-year-old woman from Worthing reported that she had been sexually accosted and raped by Phillips, the police initiated an investigation. Throughout the investigation, specially trained officers assisted her and her family.
She disclosed that Phillips had sexually assaulted and raped her after their encounter in Brighton in May 2025.
Phillips utilised drugs and money to influence the victim. He extended an invitation to her to attend a festival the following month, during which he urged her to consume alcohol and narcotics, thereby exposing her to danger. Subsequently, he transported her to a hotel, where he assaulted her in a violent and sustained manner before raping her.
He was arrested on August 6, 2025, charged on the same day, and subsequently remanded in custody. Phillips entered a plea of guilty to sexual assault by penetration and rape of a female aged 16 or older at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, January 20.
Phillips was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday, July 20. Before becoming eligible for parole, he must serve a minimum of 9 years and 6 months of imprisonment.
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