THREE CONVICTED WITH BRIGHTON BEACH RAPE
Three asylum seekers have been convicted and sentenced for the brutal rape of a woman on Brighton beach in October 2025.The attack, which took place during the early hours of October 4, involved a violent assault on a woman in her 30s, who was in a vulnerable state at the time.
The victim managed to escape and raise the alarm, prompting an urgent police investigation supported by specialist officers.
CCTV footage from a nearby nightclub, where the suspects had scanned their ID cards as part of the venue’s security measures, identified Abdulla Ahmadi, 26, an Iranian national from Crewe; Ibrahim Alshafe, 26, an Egyptian national; and Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, also Egyptian.
All three were residing at a hotel for asylum seekers in Lower Beeding at the time of the attack.
The suspects were arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape.
Ahmadi and Alshafe each faced two counts of rape, while Al-Danasurt was charged with four counts of rape and sharing intimate images.
During the trial at Hove Crown Court, which concluded in April 2026, all three defendants pleaded not guilty.
However, a jury found them guilty of all counts of rape.
The charge of sharing intimate images against Al-Danasurt was dismissed.
In a subsequent sentencing hearing in July 2026, Ibrahim Alshafe and Abdulla Ahmadi received 21-year prison sentences each for their roles in the assault.
Karin Al-Danasurt was sentenced to 18 years and six months.
The judge described the incident as "entirely predatory and callous," noting the victim’s bravery in giving evidence despite the severity of her injuries, which included being spat on, kicked, and having her throat seized.
The trio will also serve an additional six-year extended licence period and are set to be deported after completing their sentences.
The men arrived in the UK via irregular means and were awaiting decisions on their asylum claims.
The case has drawn significant attention to issues surrounding the safety of women and the responsibilities of authorities in managing asylum seekers.
Sussex Police and partner agencies continue to emphasise their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice is served.
