PEVENSEY MAN GRAHAM HEAD SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Sussex community, Graham Head, a 66-year-old resident of Coast Road in Pevensey, has been handed a substantial prison sentence after being convicted of attempting to sexually assault two women while masquerading as a taxi driver in Brighton. The disturbing incidents, which took place in the early hours of the morning, highlight the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals and the importance of vigilance in public safety.

Head’s criminal activities came to light following a harrowing incident on November 18, 2022. A woman in her twenties reported waking up inside a vehicle she believed to be a taxi, only to discover that she was being sexually assaulted by a man. The victim had initially entered what she thought was a legitimate taxi, which was a silver Mercedes estate, to travel from Brighton to Hove. Fortunately, she managed to escape from the vehicle and promptly contacted the police around 3:10 am. During her escape, she was able to recall three digits of the car’s registration plate, which proved crucial in the subsequent investigation.

Within moments of her call, law enforcement officers located the vehicle in Preston Circus after a brief pursuit. The vehicle was stopped, and Graham Head was arrested at the scene. This arrest was part of a broader investigation that had been ongoing since August 19, 2022, when another woman, a teenager, reported being dragged into bushes in Hove Park by a man who had earlier given her a lift from Brighton. The same suspect attempted to rape her but fled when her mobile phone rang, distracting him long enough for her to escape.

Further evidence was gathered through CCTV footage, which showed the victim approaching a silver Mercedes estate, and the vehicle’s movements were tracked through city centre CCTV and doorbell cameras as it moved slowly near Hove Park. These visual records played a significant role in linking Graham Head to the crimes.

Following his arrest, authorities uncovered a disturbing internet search history on Head’s mobile device. The searches included questions such as “if a mobile phone is switched off can it still be traced,” along with multiple inquiries about nightclub opening times in Brighton, East Sussex, and Surrey, as well as details related to Brighton student nights. Inside his vehicle, police found latex gloves, condoms, Viagra tablets, and a balaclava, indicating premeditation and intent. Notably, his mobile phone had been placed on flight mode, possibly to avoid detection.

Head faced trial at Hove Crown Court, where on June 2, 2023, he was found guilty of kidnapping, attempted rape, and assault by penetration. The court subsequently sentenced him to 23 years in prison, with an 18-year term to be served initially, followed by an additional five years on extended licence. The judge, Jeremy Gold, emphasized that Head posed a significant and ongoing threat to women, describing him as a ‘sexual predator.’

During the sentencing, Judge Gold praised the quick and courageous actions of the second victim, whose alertness and determination led to the police arresting Head. The judge also stated that Head must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the community’s need for safety and justice.