Two men who raped a teenage girl in Royal Pavilion Gardens have been jailed.

Ashley Lewis, 36, and Dylan Holden, 18, took advantage of the 17-year-old girl, who was too drunk to stand.

Lewis, described as a “sexual predator”, had never met her before. He had spent an afternoon filming women on Brighton beach before meeting the girl, having travelled from London.

After the rape, Holden, who was known to the teenager, claimed to have tried to protect her, despite having been involved.

Adele Kelly, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS South East, said: “While she was trying to piece together the events of the evening, Holden pretended he had tried to help her, despite the fact he and Lewis had raped the teenager.

“Each defendant had denied what they had done, choosing to blame the other, but our case was clear – that they were both involved in a joint attack.

“We are committed to bringing perpetrators of these horrific crimes to justice wherever our test is met.

"Women should be able to enjoy their lives, at whatever time of the day or night, without the fear of predators attacking them.

“We hope today's sentencing will help the young victim’s healing process after such a traumatic incident.”

Both men were convicted of rape and sexual assault, while Lewis was also convicted of theft after stealing the girl's bag, mobile phone, bank cards and purse, which were all found at his home.

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A jury at Hove Crown Court had heard the girl remembered chatting to friends on Brighton beach but had no further recollection about the evening.

The attack was halted by passersby who intervened and put her in a taxi.

The men had not met each other prior to the attack in June 2021 but were linked to the case through DNA evidence.

Lewis, who also pleaded guilty to voyeurism, was also convicted of a separate incident where he sexually assaulted another 17-year-old girl in London.

Lewis was today given a 16-year prison sentence at Lewes Crown Court while Holden was given a six-year jail term.