A former University of Sussex student has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of sexually assaulting multiple women, including fellow students, in a case that has sparked concern across the student community.
Alex Patel-Wills, 26, from Barnet, appeared at Lewes Crown Court in December 2025, where he was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences. The sentence includes 19 years in custody followed by six years on extended licence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
The case began in October 2021, when a woman reported that she had been raped, leading to Patel-Wills’ arrest. Further inquiries identified additional victims, some of whom were known to him from his time as a student.
In total, five women came forward, reporting incidents that dated back between 2018 and 2021. The offences included sexual assault and rape at various locations, including student accommodation on campus, his home in Brighton, and a property in London.
Patel-Wills was charged with five counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration. After a trial, the jury found him guilty on multiple counts, including four of rape, two of sexual assault, and one of sexual assault by penetration. He was acquitted on one count of rape and one count of assault by penetration.
At sentencing, the judge described the offences as serious and predatory, highlighting the impact on victims who had bravely come forward to testify.
Court reporting noted that Patel-Wills showed little or no remorse during proceedings.
Detective Constable Vicki Blythe of Sussex Police praised the courage of the women who reported the incidents, acknowledging that their willingness to speak out was crucial in bringing Patel-Wills to justice. She said that the conviction of a perpetrator of such crimes helps “make Sussex a safer place for women and girls”.
Sussex Police reiterated their commitment to supporting victims of sexual offences and urged anyone affected to report such incidents confidentially via appropriate channels.
The University of Sussex also issued a statement condemning the crimes and affirming that it is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment on and around campus. The University highlighted ongoing reviews and enhancements of its safeguarding policies, reporting routes and preventative education programmes to better protect students and staff from sexual misconduct.
News of Patel-Wills’ conviction has reverberated through the University of Sussex’s community, prompting serious reflection among students and staff about safety, consent, and reporting procedures.
For many, the case has underscored that sexual violence can occur within student environments, and that robust measures are needed to support survivors and prevent future incidents. Student representatives have called for improvements, including clearer reporting mechanisms, more accessible support services, and increased awareness of consent and bystander intervention.
The Student’s Union has also been active in advocating for stronger campus safety initiatives, including partnerships with local services to provide enhanced support outside of university grounds. While university policies already address sexual misconduct, some students feel that continued efforts and transparency are necessary to foster genuine confidence in the system.
The Patel-Wills case fits into a wider national conversation about how universities and communities handle sexual offences involving students.
Advocacy groups, law enforcement, and educational institutions increasingly stress the importance of comprehensive approaches that combine education, support and enforcement.
Experts have pointed out that while not all incidents involving students make headlines, the way institutions respond when they do can set important precedents for community expectations and survivor support.
At the University of Sussex, the aftermath of this case has led to renewed emphasis on student wellbeing resources, including confidential counselling, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with specialist organisations that assist survivors of sexual violence. These initiatives aim to ensure that victims feel empowered to report incidents and access the help they need.
While the conviction of Alex Patel-Wills concludes the legal proceedings of this case, many within the university community see it as a call to action. The focus now is not only on justice for the victims but also on continuing to strengthen the structures that protect students and young people from harm.
By enhancing prevention, reporting and support systems, the University of Sussex hopes to build an environment where all students can feel safe, respected and supported throughout their time on campus and beyond.
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