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A teenage boy was raped by a Brazilian tourist while waiting for public transport in a UK seaside city. Rafael Nascimento, 38, has been jailed for 13 years following the attack in Brighton on August 10 last year.

The victim, 17, was sitting on a bench in Dyke Road as he waited for public transport early in the morning. However, he was approached by Nascimento, a Brazilian national, who was on holiday in Brighton at the time. The 38-year-old started a conversation with the teenager and asked where he could buy cigarettes.

The victim took Nascimento to a local shop before the Brazilian diverted them to a property in Regent Hill. The teenager was then raped inside the building.

Officers from Sussex Police were quickly alerted and Nascimento was arrested the same day after returning to the address. According to Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, the Brazilian was due to return home the following day.

The investigating officer credited the victim for reporting the attack so swiftly. He added that the force may not have been able to arrest the Brazilian if he had left the UK.

Nascimento pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and causing a person to incite in sexual activity at Brighton Magistrates' Court on August 12, 2025. However, a jury found him guilty of four counts of rape and causing a person to incite in sexual activity at Lewes Crown Court on February 2 this year.

He was found not guilty of the sexual assault charges before being remanded in custody. On Friday (April 17), Nascimento was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Sussex Police Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, said: "With sentencing now complete, we want to recognise the courage and resilience the victim has shown throughout. Their bravery in reporting the offence promptly played a crucial role in helping us swiftly identify, locate, and apprehend a dangerous predator.

"Nascimento was visiting the UK on holiday and was due to return to Brazil the day after the offence. Had the victim delayed reporting what happened, there is every possibility that Nascimento could have left the country before we had the chance to arrest him and bring him to justice.

"While nothing can undo the trauma the victim has experienced, we hope this sentence provides some sense of closure and helps them to continue to heal.

"Sexual offences can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, and it is vital that all victims feel able to come forward. Offences against men remain under-reported, often because of fear, embarrassment, or stigma.

"We want victims to know they can report to us in confidence. You will be listened to, treated with respect, supported throughout, and your report will be taken seriously."