Description
A sexual predator who attacked two women when he was manager at a popular music venue has been jailed.
Daniel Knowles, 37, was convicted of attacking two women in 2019 when he was a manager at Concorde 2, a nightclub in Brighton.
He raped one woman and sexually assaulted another as she slept at different addresses in Brighton.
He was jailed for six-and-a-half years following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.
Knowles was described as a daily cocaine user when he was working at the music venue.
Sarah Lindop for the crown said Knowles was a predator who continues to deny his guilt.
"Daniel Knowles is a sexual predator and he has taken advantage of circumstances where he is close to them to sexually assault these young women," she said.
His Honour Judge Mark Van Der Zwart said the jury rejected his claims and described Knowles as a predator who took advantage of vulnerable women for his own sexual gratification.
He said: "You've shown little remorse.
"You were overtaken by your desire for sexual gratification.
"You are wholly to blame."
His victims said they had suffered ongoing trauma after being attacked by Knowles.
The woman Knowles raped said she is living with flashbacks and a constant level of fear and mistrust.
"These past six years, I've spent frozen in time", she said.
"I have to constantly remind myself that I am safe and it's over.
"I will never understand why what happened happened."
The woman who was sexually assaulted by Knowles when he got into bed with her as she slept said her life was changed forever.
She forced him out of her room and barricaded the door.
She said: "I find it difficult to trust people.
"Your gaslighting has destroyed friendships and relationships.
"I was in my own room with my door shut, asleep in my own bed.
"Men like you behave like this of your own volition.
"I hope you will one day be able to understand the harm you've caused."
Knowles was jailed for four-and-a-half years for one count of rape and another two years to be served consecutively for the sexual assault.
He will spend at least two thirds in custody before he is eligible for release and will be on the sex offender register for life.