16-07-2025
Syrian asylum seeker, 18, appears in court accused of raping woman in a public toilet on popular seafront
A Syrian asylum seeker appeared in court accused with the rape of a young woman in a public toilet on Bournemouth seafront on Wednesday.
Mohammed Abdullah, 18, allegedly attacked the 20-year-old woman in the toilet in Undercliff Drive, Bournemouth, at about 2am on July 6.
Dorset Police originally arrested a 31-year-old Bournemouth man in connection with the incident but he was later released with no further action taken.
Abdullah, who arrived in Britain as an asylum seeker in 2023 and has been granted permanent leave to remain here, was subsequently arrested at his home address in West Drayton, Middlesex, on Monday.
He appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court charged with rape and sexual assault.
Several of his family members watched on from the public gallery as he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address via an Arabic interpreter during the hearing.
Harry Price-Smith, defending, said: 'He's originally from Syria and came to this country with his family two years ago as an asylum seeker, and has been granted indefinite leave to remain.
'His mother, father, two sisters and a family friend are all here in court to support him.'
Abdullah, a student, was granted conditional bail by magistrates but has been remanded in custody while the prosecution appeals the decision.
He is due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on August 14.
Magistrate chair Jim Hoggart said: 'You are going to be placed on remand until the matter can be heard by a crown court in the next few days.'
Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of the Dorset Police Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: 'After extensive enquiries, an 18-year-old man from the West Drayton area of Middlesex was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.
'After consulting with our colleagues in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), charges were authorised in respect of rape and sexual assault.
'I would like to pass on my thanks to the members of the public who have come forward and assisted our investigation.
'The victim is continuing to be supported and has been updated with the developments in the investigation.'
