A trial date has been set for three asylum-seekers charged with raping a woman on Brighton seafront last month.
They appeared at Brighton Crown Court this morning (Thursday 13 November) for an arraignment – when the charges are formally put and defendants enter their plea.
But only one Arabic interpreter was available. Two of the defendants speak Arabic and one speaks Kurdish.
Recorder Neil Mercer adjourned the arraignment until Monday 8 December and set a trial date next spring, with the trial expected to last three weeks.
The three defendants are
Abdulla Amih Ahmadi, 26, an Iranian, of Wistaston Road, Crewe
Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, an Egyptian, of Sandygate Lane, Lower Beeding
Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, also Egyptian, from Horsham
Each of the men is charged with two counts of rape on Saturday 4 October.
All three men arrived in Britain on small boats and were awaiting decisions on asylum claims, the Home Office said.
At a previous hearing at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, Melanie Wotton, prosecuting, said: “The complainant was subjected to a horrendous ordeal on Brighton beach. She describes being raped by three men.”
All three were remanded in custody to appear at Brighton today for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
The Home Office said: “These allegations are shocking and we share the public’s outrage. Our thoughts are with the victim of this horrific crime.
“We are receiving regular updates from Sussex Police. The priority must now be for the police to investigate so those responsible are brought to justice.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour said: “This has been a fast-paced investigation, with all three suspects having been identified through thorough investigative work.
“I commend the bravery of the victim who we continue to support with specialist officers.
“I understand how distressing this incident will be for the community and our dedicated partnership operations to protect women and girls will continue in earnest.”
Sussex Police asked anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the force online or via 101, quoting Operation Brampton.