Brighton man jailed for rape and witness intimidation

Brighton man Zaine Reid has been jailed for raping, abusing and controlling a woman over several months in 2024.

In September last year, a woman in her late teens reported being subjected to repeated violence and controlling behaviour from Reid, since February of that year.

Reid, 20, of no fixed address, would control when she could see her friends and family, monitor her on cameras when he wasn’t at home, and threaten to harm himself if she tried to end contact with him.

The victim disclosed being raped by Reid, and strangled to the point of fearing that he was going to kill her.

When the victim cut contact with Reid, he logged into, and deleted, all of her social media accounts.

Officers supported the victim and put safeguarding measures in place while Reid was arrested and charged with rape, intentional strangulation, coercive and controlling behaviour and causing actual bodily harm.

While remanded in custody awaiting trial, he contacted the victim again from prison and attempted to threaten her into dropping her support for the investigation.

He was further charged with intimidating a witness.

At Brighton Crown Court on Tuesday, 18 March, Reid was convicted of all charges and remanded in custody.

At the same court on Friday, 16 May, Reid was jailed for seven years.

Detective Constable Ryan Dale said: “I would like to thank the victim in this investigation for her remarkable strength and determination, in the face of Zaine Reid’s abuse and ongoing intimidation.

“She has proven that Reid is not able to control her actions and, thanks to her, he is now behind bars. Sussex is a safer place as a result.

“If you are a victim of abuse, please know that help is available and there is an escape. Report to us discreetly online, via 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency. We will do all we can to help and support you.”