Men from London and Surrey acquitted of 'rape of another man' in East Sussex after trial
Men from London and Surrey have been acquitted of the ‘rape of another man’ in East Sussex following a trial, according to a Sussex Police press release.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Two men have been acquitted of the rape of another man in Brighton following a trial.
“George Ellis, 41, of Chessington, London, and Mark Lett, 43, of Esher, Surrey, were arrested in December 2024 and were charged with the rape of a man in Steine Lane, Brighton, on December 21 that year.
“They also faced charges of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and assault with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence.
“After a trial at Hove Crown Court, they were acquitted of rape and of causing a person to engage in sexual activity, while the two assault related charges were discontinued.
“They face no further police action.
“The complainant, a man aged 19 at the time, cannot be identified for legal reasons.”
Detective Inspector Sean Booth said: “We are aware of the conclusion of a trial involving two defendants accused of the rape of a man and other sexual offences at Hove Crown Court.
“Following a thorough police investigation, the case has now concluded and we respect the verdict of the jury.”