ASHLEY LEWIS’ BRUTAL ATTACK IN BRIGHTON
In February 2023, authorities released images of two men involved in the assault of a 17-year-old girl in Royal Pavilion Gardens.Ashley Lewis, 36, and Dylan Holden, 18, exploited the intoxicated teenager, who was unable to stand at the time.
Lewis, described as a ‘sexual predator,’ had no prior connection to her and had traveled from London, initially spending time filming women on Brighton beach before meeting her.
After the assault, Holden—who knew the victim—claimed he had tried to protect her, despite his involvement in the attack.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Adele Kelly of CPS South East stated that while the girl was trying to recollect the night’s events, Holden pretended to assist her, even though both men had raped her.
They initially denied the crimes, each blaming the other, but evidence proved their shared involvement.
Kelly emphasized the importance of justice for such crimes and the community’s right to safety, adding that the sentencing aims to aid the victim’s recovery.
Both defendants received convictions for rape and sexual assault; Lewis was also found guilty of theft for stealing the girl’s belongings, which were recovered from his home.
Lewis was sentenced to 16 years at Lewes Crown Court, while Holden received six years.
The case included testimony that the victim remembered talking to friends on Brighton beach but had no memory of the assault itself.
Her rescue was made possible by passersby who intervened and arranged her transport.
The two men had not met before June 2021 but were linked through DNA evidence.
Lewis, additionally convicted of voyeurism, had pleaded guilty to filming women on Brighton beach earlier that day and to sexually assaulting another 17-year-old girl in London in October 2021.
