Brighton man jailed for assaults on two women

A Brighton man has been sentenced after he stamped on the head of a woman and sexually assaulted another in West Street.

Halcyon Platt, 21, of Ditchling Rise, Brighton, was sentenced on July 12, following incidents that occurred in the early morning of October 1, 2023.

In the early hours of October 1, Platt was in a nightclub in West Street, when he made unreciprocated advances towards a 20-year-old woman.

Platt, went on to sexually assault the woman before reportedly grabbing her by the throat after he was challenged on his behaviour.

The victim called police to report the crime, and while on the phone, a second incident occurred involving Platt.

Platt became enraged with a second woman near to the club, after she attempted to assist a man in West Street.

He pushed the 23-year-old victim away from the area, before assaulting her and throwing her to the ground.

Platt callously stamped on the victims head multiple times, causing significant facial injuries.

Police quickly arrested Platt at the scene, and he was taken to custody before being bailed with strict conditions.

Platt was charged on March 27 with attempted grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, and intentional strangulation.

On May 23, Platt pleaded guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and sexual assault. The intentional strangulation offence was requested to lay on file.

At Lewes Crown Court on July 12, Platt was sentenced to 45 months imprisonment and given a £228 fine.

The victims both provided statements to be read out to the court, showing the impact these offences have had on their lives.

The 20-year-old woman, who was sexually assaulted by Platt said,

"This incident has definitely impacted my anxiety.

"I can’t go out anymore, without worrying about what will happen to me.

"I haven’t been able to go out to a pub or club since.

"The last time I tried to do so, I had a very bad anxiety attack and had to go home.

"I have also had to change my job. I used to work for a charity. It was a nice, rewarding job but it involved being out in public, talking to a lot of strangers.

"After I was attacked, the thought of talking to strangers, especially single men, was terrifying."

In a second statement, the 23-year-old victim who also suffered due to Platt's actions said,

"For the first week I was scared to go to sleep as I thought I might not wake up due to the head injury.

"I was also very anxious, and I isolated myself."

She went on to say,

"I found it hard to leave the house after, scared of people seeing my face and just generally feeling low about how I looked."

Detective Sergeant, Victoria Lofts said,

“We hope the victims of these crimes find a sense of justice in Platt's sentencing, and that now they can begin to put these terrible incidents behind them.

“There have been many people involved in this investigation, and we would like to take a moment to thank those who assisted with enquiries and provided vital accounts, leading us to this point in securing the results to take a dangerous man off the streets.”