A 19-year-old man from West Drayton has been jailed for six years and nine months for a "horrific and terrifying sexual attack" on a woman in a portable toilet on Bournemouth seafront. Mohammed Abdullah was found guilty by a jury at Bournemouth Crown Court of rape and sexual assault by penetration. In addition to the prison term, he will be placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Attack details revealed in court
During the trial, prosecutor Mark Eldridge told the jury that the victim had been out with a friend in Bournemouth on the night of the attack. After having had a "fair amount to drink," she and her friend headed off in different directions, and the complainant began walking home along the seafront. There she came across Abdullah, who was with friends and offered to give her a lift home on his e-bike.
They then stopped at a portable toilet, where Abdullah sexually assaulted her before raping her. Mr Eldridge said: "She was wriggling and trying to fight and then thought if she let it happen it would be quicker." He added: "The defendant kissed her aggressively and she pulled away but somehow got a burst lip." He said that afterwards the defendant rode off while the complainant "took her shoes off in order to run."
Victim's bravery praised
She then sought help from passers-by, asking to use their phones to call her mother, who she told she had been raped before she called the police. Mr Eldridge said that one man who helped her described her as "appearing distressed."
Abdullah arrived in the UK from Syria in 2023 and was given permanent leave to remain under a family reunion scheme. He was living in West Drayton, in the borough of Hillingdon, when he travelled to Bournemouth, where he committed the offences. He had attempted to convince the jury that the sex was "consensual" and that the complainant had wanted to hug and kiss him.
Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Firstly I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the young woman in coming forward and reporting such a horrific and terrifying sexual attack. Throughout our investigation and the subsequent criminal justice process she has shown immense strength, courage and resilience. This young woman's evidence played a crucial role in securing Abdullah's conviction and subsequent custodial sentence."
Prosecution response
Samantha Wright, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) senior crown prosecutor, said: "Mohammed Abdullah exploited a young woman who was vulnerable and simply trying to get home safely. Having gained her trust by offering her a lift, he subjected her to a terrifying sexual attack. The victim's bravery in reporting what happened and supporting this prosecution has ensured a dangerous offender has been held accountable for his actions. Violence against women and girls has no place in our communities. The CPS will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators of these abhorrent offences to justice."
Abdullah's sentence includes a life-long requirement to sign the sex offenders register, reflecting the severity of the offences.
