Three men on trial in Brighton rape case lived in asylum accommodation
Three men accused of the rape of a woman in Brighton are currently on trial in the United Kingdom, with proceedings taking place at Hove Crown Court.
The defendants — Ibrahim Alshafe (25), Abdulla Ahmadi (26) and Karin Al-Danasurt (20) — are charged in connection with an alleged assault that took place in the early hours of 4 October 2025 on Brighton beach.tria
According to court proceedings, the three men had arrived in the UK via small boats crossing the English Channel and were residing at a hotel in Horsham used to house asylum seekers while their cases were being processed.
The case has drawn significant attention following the testimony of the victim, who described the lasting impact of the incident during emotional evidence presented in court.
Details presented in court
The woman, who is in her thirties and cannot be identified for legal reasons, told the court she had been out with friends on the night of the incident, visiting several venues in Brighton.
She stated that she had consumed a significant amount of alcohol and described herself as being highly intoxicated and vulnerable by the early hours of the morning.
After becoming separated from her friends, CCTV footage reportedly showed her leaving a fast-food restaurant alone in a disoriented state.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants approached the woman and led her to a more isolated area near the beach. According to the prosecution, the victim was then subjected to a sustained and violent assault, during which she repeatedly lost consciousness and attempted to resist.
The court heard that the attack was recorded, and that one of the defendants is accused of sharing the footage without consent.
Charges and ongoing trial
All three defendants deny the charges against them.
Alshafe and Ahmadi each face two counts of rape, while Al-Danasurt faces multiple charges, including rape as a secondary participant and an additional charge related to the distribution of intimate images.
The trial began on 16 March and is expected to last several weeks, with a jury hearing evidence under the direction of Judge Christine Henson.
The victim told the court that the incident has had a profound impact on her life, stating that she now feels unsafe leaving her home.
The case continues as the court examines the evidence and hears testimony from both the prosecution and the defence.
