A 21-year-old man from Rye has been jailed for a sexual assault that took place on the popular Camber Sands beach in East Sussex.
Mohammed Maatoug was sentenced to two years and eight months in a young offenders institution at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, 24 May. He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault.
The court heard how the incident occurred on the afternoon of 29 July 2023. Maatoug approached his victim, a woman in her 20s, while she was sunbathing alone on the beach. He proceeded to assault her before fleeing the scene.
Swift Police Response and Investigation
Sussex Police were alerted and launched an immediate investigation. Through diligent work, which included reviewing CCTV footage from the area, officers were able to identify and locate Maatoug. He was subsequently arrested and charged.
Detective Constable Zoe Spicer of the Hastings Safeguarding Investigation Unit led the case. She commended the victim for her immense bravery throughout the judicial process.
Officer's Statement on the Case
DC Spicer stated: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who was simply enjoying a day at the beach. Maatoug's actions were predatory and deliberate. I would like to praise the victim for her courage and strength, which has been crucial in bringing Maatoug to justice and ensuring he is off the streets.
"We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and will always do everything we can to support victims and investigate reports thoroughly."
Maatoug will also be subject to notification requirements, commonly known as being placed on the sex offenders register, for ten years.
