Hastings seafront rape: Suspect named and charged after woman attacked on beach

Sussex Police said officers received a report – in the early hours of Sunday, February 12 – of a woman raped on an area of the beach.

Police said Matthew Taylor, 30 – a groundsman, of Clement Hill Road, Hastings – was arrested on February 13 and subsequently charged with two counts of rape.

The incident was reported to have happened around 3.50am to 4.20am, between Hastings Pier and the junction with Robertson Street.

“The victim and suspect both arrived on the seafront from the direction of Robertson Street,” a police spokesperson said. “The suspect was wearing a dark jacket over a light-coloured hooded jumper, dark bottoms and trainers.

“Specialist officers are supporting the victim as the investigation progresses.”

Taylor appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 15 and has been remanded in custody to next appear on March 15, police said.

The investigation is ongoing and detectives are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened, or witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area around that time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Adelphi. Alternatively, information can be passed to police anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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