Man due in Portsmouth court after being charged with raping two victims - including incident on Esplanade

Patrik Lis, 30, of Sussex Street in Bognor Regis, is due to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court next month. Police received a report on June 20, 2023, of a rape during the early hours off The Esplanade near the beach in Bognor Regis.

The victim was support by specialist officers. Sussex Police said Lis was arrested in September and “released on bail with strict conditions while evidence was gathered to pursue a charge”. They added that a second report of a rape under similar circumstances was received.

The incident allegedly occurred at roughly 5am on July 2, 2024, near London Road in Bognor Regis. Specialist officers supported the victim, with a police investigation linking the two incidents and identifying Lis as a suspect.

Lis has been charged with with three counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, two counts of causing actual bodily harm and one count each of sexual assault, intentional strangulation and intentional suffocation. Neither victim was known to him. Following an appearance at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on July 5 - where he was remanded in custody - he is now due to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on August 5.

Detective chief inspector Steve Cobbett said: “I would like to thank both of the victims in these investigations for their bravery in coming forward and reporting to the police, and their continued support with the investigations. They will continue to receive our full support through every step of the court process.

“Our commitment to protecting the public remains steadfast and we will do all we can, alongside our partners, to safeguard vulnerable people and hold offenders to account. If you are a victim of sexual offending, please report it to the police. You will be believed, heard and supported, and we will work tirelessly to get you justice. Report online, via 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency.”