HANOK ZERAY AND HIS SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BRIGHTON
A man from Brighton who committed a series of serious sexual assaults against women in public spaces has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term.Hanok Zeray, aged 32 and residing on Ringmer Road in Brighton, was responsible for targeting vulnerable women who were alone in various locations throughout Brighton city centre during the year 2022.
The criminal investigation into Zeray’s activities was initiated after a woman came forward to report that she had been raped in the Old Steine area of Brighton on April 16.
Following her complaint, specialist officers provided her with support and assistance during the investigation.
The police quickly moved to arrest Zeray the very next day, suspecting him of her rape.
He was taken into custody under suspicion but was subsequently released while further evidence was gathered to determine whether formal charges would be brought against him.
The case gained further momentum when, on May 22, two additional women reported being sexually assaulted.
One incident took place on London Road, while the other was on Southover Street, both occurring in the early hours of a Sunday morning.
The victim on Southover Street was pursued aggressively by a stranger—later identified as Zeray—who chased her through the streets.
However, she managed to escape by locking herself inside her flat, thus avoiding further harm.
As police continued to investigate, efforts were underway to identify the suspect, until October 23, when a third woman reported being sexually assaulted by a stranger in Elm Grove.
During this encounter, the woman was subjected to persistent harassment.
Fortunately, she was able to record part of the assault using her mobile phone, capturing clear footage of the criminal act.
Recognizing Zeray from this evidence, police officers swiftly made an arrest shortly thereafter.
Following his arrest, Zeray faced multiple charges, including rape and three counts of sexual assault.
While in custody, additional allegations emerged when three more women came forward.
Each of these women reported being attacked on different occasions: one on London Road on May 22, another in Gladstone Place on June 19, and a third on October 23—just five minutes before the woman in Elm Grove was assaulted and recorded.
Zeray entered a plea at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on February 24, admitting guilt to all six charges of sexual assault.
He denied the rape allegation, which was later discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The case moved forward to Lewes Crown Court, where on July 21, Zeray was sentenced to serve eight years and three months in prison.
His sentence also included an extended license period of five years, to ensure stringent supervision after his release.
Detective Constable Amy Pemberton-Hill expressed her acknowledgement of the bravery shown by the victims.
She stated, “Hanok Zeray was a committed offender who presented a clear danger to lone women and girls.
I would like to thank all these women for reporting his crimes to police and supporting the investigation through to prosecution.
The streets of Brighton and Hove are a safer place as a result.” Superintendent Adele Tucknott, who oversees violence against women and girls for Sussex Police, emphasized the seriousness of Zeray’s actions.
She affirmed, “The behaviour shown by Hanok Zeray will not be tolerated in Sussex— from the persistent harassment of women through to the sexual assaults for which he has been jailed.
Women and girls should feel safe walking the streets alone at any time of day or night without fear of predatory men.
We have a range of measures to keep people safe at night, and it is crucial that any incidents are reported so we can take effective action.”
