Brighton rapist who plied women with drugs jailed

A sexual predator who plied six women with drugs and alcohol before raping them has been jailed.

Shane James Gibbs, 35, was a "nomadic drug dealer who moved around hotels and Airbnb rentals in Brighton," Judge Christine Henson KC said.

Two of his victims were only 15 at the time of the attacks.

He was handed a life sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years at Hove Crown Court.

Gibbs carried out his attacks from October to December 2023.

His victims were incapable of preventing him from raping and sexually abusing them due to the drugs and alcohol, his trial at Lewes Crown Court heard.

He had unprotected sex knowing he was HIV-positive and each victim had to be tested for HIV following Gibbs' arrest.

"The victims described waking to discover they were naked or partially dressed," said Jennifer Knight KC, for the prosecution.

"He recorded himself throwing money over two victims while they were at the Mal Maison hotel."

The court also heard his former partner was subjected to a prolonged assault during which she was strangled to the point of unconsciousness.

Gibbs, of no-fixed address, faced 15 charges, including rape, false imprisonment and actual bodily harm.

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