Brighton man convicted for raping and sexually abusing young women

A man was found guilty of offences against six women, including rape, sexual abuse and assault.  

Shane Gibbs, 35, was convicted of 15 counts following a trial including rape and other serious sexual and violent offences. 

During October to December 2023, Gibbs preyed upon teenagers and vulnerable women in the Brighton and Hove area.

In those months, he was living a seemingly nomadic life moving between hotel rooms and various Airbnb properties on and around the seafront. He plied young women with drugs (including GHB) and alcohol to such an extent that they were incapable of preventing Gibbs raping and sexually abusing them in various places along the city’s coastline.

His former partner was subjected to a prolonged assault during which she was also strangled to the point of unconsciousness. 

Two of the six women were only 15 at the time of the sexual abuse attacks.

Emma Lile of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Gibbs was a sexual predator who went around the Brighton coastline preying on vulnerable young women in pursuit of his own hideous purposes.

“We would like to extend a special thanks to the victims who came forward to report these crimes and gave evidence to the court about their horrific experiences.

“These convictions send a very clear message that the CPS, working alongside law enforcement, will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who abuse or sexually exploit women.

“I encourage any victims of violence against women and girls in whatever form to report the crimes committed against them. It is never too late to seek justice - you are not alone and there is help available.”  

To deal with some of the more complex and challenging child sexual abuse cases like this, the CPS has a dedicated Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit to share specialist understanding, build strong cases and increase the amount of successful prosecutions.