BRIGHTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO STREET SEXUAL ASSAULT, SET FOR OCTOBER SENTENCING
A Brighton man named James Dickens, aged 42, from Birdham Close, has pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to sexually assaulting a woman by touching her.
The incident occurred on 4 November 2022 after Dickens and the victim, who knew each other, had been drinking with friends in a pub.
Following their departure, members of the public observed Dickens assaulting her while sitting on a wall in Hollingbury Crescent.
Police swiftly responded, arresting Dickens and taking him into custody.
The victim was then transported to hospital for medical checks and received support from specialist officers.
Dickens is scheduled to be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 22 October.
Detective Constable Elaine Welsh, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s bravery and strength in supporting the case and highlighted that Dickens was a trusted family friend who assaulted the woman in the street during a vulnerable moment.
Welsh stated, "The impact has been immensely traumatising for her, and I also want to thank the members of the public whose quick actions helped us bring him to justice.”
