A tourist who raped a boy in a popular UK seaside town has been sentenced to 13 years. Brazilian national, Rafael Nascimento, 38, was on holiday in Brighton, East Sussex, when he took the 17-year-old boy back to a property in Regent Hill and raped him.
The victim was sat on a bench waiting for public transport to start up again in the early hours of August 10 last year when Nascimento came up to him and started chatting. He asked where he could buy cigarettes and in a bid to be helpful the boy took him to a nearby shop.
Sussex Police said Nascimento gradually gained the boy’s trust and took him to the property, where the monster raped him.
Police were called soon after and the Brazilian was arrested on the day he committed his vile crime. He had been due to leave the UK the day after the offence.
The sexual predator was charged with one count of rape and appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court just two days after targeting the youngster.
Later on he was further charged with three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and causing a person to incite in sexual activity.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and the case was sent for trial. But jurors found him guilty of all the chargesm except the two sexual assault offences, at the end of a two week trial at Lewes Crown Court on February 2.
A judge at the same court sentenced him to 13 years in prison on Friday (April 17).
Det Ch Insp Steve Cobbett said: “With sentencing now complete, we want to recognise the courage and resilience the victim has shown throughout.
“Their bravery in reporting the offence promptly played a crucial role in helping us swiftly identify, locate and apprehend a dangerous predator.”
He said Nascimento was visiting the UK on holiday.
Mr Cobbett added: “Had the victim delayed reporting what happened, there is every possibility that Nascimento could have left the country before we had the chance to arrest him and bring him to justice.
“While nothing can undo the trauma the victim has experienced, we hope this sentence provides some sense of closure and helps them to continue to heal.”
DCI Cobbett said sexual offences can happen to anyone, regardless of their sex, and it is vital all victims feel able to come forward.
He added: “Offences against men remain under-reported, often because of fear, embarrassment, or stigma. We want victims to know they can report to us in confidence. You will be listened to, treated with respect, supported throughout, and your report will be taken seriously.”