Chef, 59, admits groping girls as they exercised on Brighton seaside after providing them ‘touching remedy’
A chef offered a string of young women the chance to experience his ‘touching therapy’ before groping them as they exercised on a beach.
Fattah Derrahi, 59, told the women they had ‘good energy’ after watching them exercise on Brighton seafront.
The care home head chef admitted he sexually assaulted nine different women over a five-year period.
He will admit to two more similar assaults on two more victims.
Derrahi approached the women as they warmed down from early morning exercise sessions on Hove Lawns between 2021 and 2025.
The women – who do not know each other – were exercising alone on the seafront in the early morning when Derrahi – described as a ‘family man’ – approached them saying: ‘You’ve got good energy.’
He was identified and arrested after Sussex Police issued an appeal with CCTV images.
Five of his victims picked the chef out of an ID parade.
Wearing a black polo shirt, glasses and grey joggers, Derrahi confirmed his name at Lewes Crown Court before admitting nine charges with two to be added later.
Fattah Derrahi, 59, offered a string of young women the chance to experience his ‘touching therapy’ before groping them as they exercised on a beach
The care home head chef admitted he sexually assaulted nine different women over a five-year period on Hove Lawns, which is close to the beach (file pic)
Recorder Sarah Elliott KC told him: ‘You’ve pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in February.
‘In the meantime, I remand you in custody.’
Derrahi, a 59-year-old British national from Hove, admitted nine counts of sexual assault, with two more to be added.
Sussex Police said his victims reported being sexually assaulted by a man who approached them around the Hove Lawns area, typically in the morning while they were exercising or post-exercising.
Detective Inspector Sharon Ford said: ‘I know these reports were concerning for the public, and I would like to thank everyone who came forward with information to support the investigation.
‘We will continue to conduct proactive patrols in the area as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting women and girls in Brighton and Hove.’
Derrahi will be sentenced in February next year.
