Flatmates Cleared of Rape After Night Out in Brighton UK

Published: 27 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Two men were found not guilty yesterday of raping a 19-year-old man following a night out in Brighton, concluding a trial that has drawn intense scrutiny over consent and evidence in sexual offence cases. A jury at Hove Crown Court reached the verdict after just 41 minutes of deliberation on charges brought after an incident in late 2024.

The defendants, 43-year-old Mark Lett and 41-year-old George Ellis, wept in the dock as the verdict was delivered. Both men, who were flatmates at the time of the incident, had maintained throughout the week-long trial that the sexual encounter with the complainant was consensual. The encounter reportedly took place after the three men met during pre-Christmas socialising on 21 December 2024.

Prosecutors alleged that the pair had raped the 19-year-old in a seafront shelter and a nearby basement stairwell in the early hours of the morning. This was denied by both men, including Ellis, a former PE teacher, who said he remained clothed during the encounter and stressed that there was no coercion.

The court also heard that the complainant’s account changed during the proceedings. CCTV footage that might have clarified aspects of the events was not obtained by police investigators, the defence said. Additionally, questions about the complainant’s recollection and conduct — including a reported positive cocaine test after the night out and refusal of a full medical examination — were raised by the defence during testimony.

Both Lett, who had been an assistant head teacher before his arrest and spent months in custody, and Ellis, who had worked in education, faced additional charges including causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent; however, the jury acquitted them on all counts. Earlier assault charges were also dropped.

After the verdict, the men’s legal team expressed relief, emphasising that the jury’s decision reflected the evidence and credibility issues that emerged during the trial. Police confirmed they respected the jury’s verdict following a “thorough investigation.” The case highlights ongoing legal and social debates in the UK regarding consent, intoxication, and evidential challenges in sexual offence prosecutions.

Read More At>>