„A former student claimed he was ‚irresistible‘ to women, but he now faces justice.“
Alex Patel-Wills, a former University of Sussex student, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of five women. The judge, during the hearing at Lewes Crown Court, remarked on Patel-Wills‘ sense of entitlement and noted that he exhibited not the ’slightest remorse‘ towards the victims.
Nature of the Crimes
The 26-year-old was found to be involved in the distribution of Class A drugs among fellow students, which he labeled as a form of ’social service.‘ He committed four rapes against fellow students and assaulted another woman while residing in Brighton.
Notably, one of the assaults occurred while Patel-Wills was already on police bail and under investigation by the university for a prior rape allegation. The assaults took place both on campus and at his residence in Brighton, as well as in London, according to information provided by Sussex Police.
Institution’s Response
The University of Sussex condemned all forms of sexual violence, rape, and abuse, stating its commitment to maintain a safe environment on campus. A representative mentioned that an independent review has been initiated to ensure that the university’s safeguarding and reporting practices are effective and in line with current best practices.
Manipulation of Victims
The court heard that Patel-Wills utilized his drug dealing connections to prey on vulnerable young women, often using drugs and alcohol to incapacitate his victims before committing the assaults in their student housing or in his own campus room. Judge Christine Laing KC commented on his inclination towards ’sexual activity with women who are asleep or unconscious.‘
Impact on Victims
In a statement, one victim expressed profound feelings of insecurity and anxiety, stating, „I no longer feel safe in my own body or in the world around me.“ The emotional weight of the trauma has led her to feel as though she is attempting to rebuild her identity from fragments.
Detective Constable Vicki Blythe from Sussex Police acknowledged the courage of the women who came forward to report Patel-Wills‘ crimes, emphasizing their role in ensuring he was prosecuted and imprisoned.
Patel-Wills, displaying no visible reaction during sentencing, was found guilty following a trial for four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration. He will be listed on the sex offender register indefinitely.
