DANIEL KNOWLES JAILED FOR SEXUAL PREDATION IN BRIGHTON NIGHTCLUB AND HOMES

A man convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed in Brighton has been sentenced to prison for his actions. Daniel Knowles, aged 37, was found guilty of attacking two women in 2019, during his tenure as a manager at the well-known nightclub Concorde 2 in Brighton.

His crimes involved the rape of one woman and the sexual assault of another, both at different addresses within Brighton. The court heard that Knowles exploited his position and proximity to his victims to carry out these acts of sexual violence. Following a detailed trial at Lewes Crown Court, he was sentenced to a total of six and a half years behind bars.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Knowles was a habitual cocaine user while working at the music venue, which may have contributed to his behavior. Sarah Lindop, representing the Crown, described Knowles as a predatory individual who continues to deny his guilt despite overwhelming evidence. She stated, "Daniel Knowles is a sexual predator and he has taken advantage of circumstances where he is close to them to sexually assault these young women."

Judge Mark Van Der Zwart, presiding over the case, emphasized that the jury had rejected Knowles' claims of innocence. He characterized him as a predator who preyed on vulnerable women for his own sexual gratification. The judge remarked, "You've shown little remorse. You were overtaken by your desire for sexual gratification. You are wholly to blame."

The victims have spoken out about the lasting trauma inflicted upon them. One woman, who was raped by Knowles, described her ongoing struggle with flashbacks, fear, and mistrust. She shared, "These past six years, I've spent frozen in time. I have to constantly remind myself that I am safe and it's over. I will never understand why what happened happened."

The second woman, assaulted when Knowles entered her bedroom and got into bed with her as she slept, recounted how her life was forever altered. She recounted barricading her door and forcing him out, adding, "I find it difficult to trust people. Your gaslighting has destroyed friendships and relationships. I was in my own room with my door shut, asleep in my own bed. Men like you behave like this of your own volition. I hope you will one day be able to understand the harm you've caused."

In sentencing, Knowles received four and a half years for the rape charge, with an additional two years for the sexual assault, to be served consecutively. The court determined that he will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release. Furthermore, he will be registered as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.