Two men have been acquitted of the rape of another man in Brighton following a trial.

George Ellis, 41, of Chessington, London, and Mark Lett, 43, of Esher, Surrey, were arrested in December 2024 and were charged with the rape of a man in Steine Lane, Brighton, on December 21 that year.

They also faced charges of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and assault with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence.

After a trial at Hove Crown Court, they were acquitted of rape and of causing a person to engage in sexual activity, while the two assault related charges were discontinued.

They face no further police action.

The complainant, a man aged 19 at the time, cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Detective Inspector Sean Booth said: “We are aware of the conclusion of a trial involving two defendants accused of the rape of a man and other sexual offences at Hove Crown Court.

“Following a thorough police investigation, the case has now concluded and we respect the verdict of the jury.”