Brighton Chef Sentenced to Six Years for Predatory Sexual Assaults
A chef who preyed on women exercising near Brighton beach by offering them 'touching therapy' before groping them has been jailed for six years. Fattah Derrahi, 59, targeted at least 11 victims over five years, approaching them as they walked or exercised alone along the seafront in the early morning hours.
Deceptive Approach and Assaults
Derrahi, who worked in a care home, would tell women they had 'good energy' and claim to be an expert in reiki and yoga. After asking if they wanted to exercise with him, he would pretend to instruct them, touching their arms and torsos before escalating to cupping their breasts and, in some cases, grinding his crotch against them. Many victims froze in shock before fleeing when able.
One victim described the assault as feeling 'like a disgusting snake wrapped around' her, while another said she felt 'like a piece of meat' and questioned how she could have been tricked. Derrahi also separately assaulted a young woman at his workplace, leaving her 'anxious, upset and depressed'.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Brighton Crown Court, Derrahi pleaded guilty to 12 charges of sexual assault on Hove Lawns between 2021 and 2025. He sat emotionless as victims read impact statements detailing the trauma. Judge Neil Mercer noted that Derrahi deliberately sought out lone women in vulnerable situations, stating, 'He's gone out of his way looking for lone women so he could inveigle himself into situations whereby he could assault them.'
The judge added that if Derrahi had targeted a Taekwondo instructor, 'he would have been the one on the receiving end,' emphasizing the predatory nature of the crimes. Derrahi must sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life and pay a victim surcharge of £228.
Investigation and Public Response
Derrahi was caught after an appeal by Sussex Police, with five victims identifying him in an identity parade. Detective Constable Sarah Whitehill praised the victims for their courage, saying, 'Women and girls should be safe to enjoy everyday activities in public without fear of being targeted by predatory men.' She also thanked the public for responding 'so positively' to the appeal, leading to Derrahi's arrest within hours.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the impact of such assaults on victims, with one woman noting the incident created 'trauma that has a long-lasting effect.'
