A failed asylum seeker has appeared before magistrates charged with the rape of a woman in Bournemouth, with the court hearing he will remain in custody until his plea hearing next month.
Court Appearance and Charges
Mohammed Fathi Eltbie appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court on Friday 14th November 2025, where he confirmed his name and date of birth with the assistance of an interpreter. The 24-year-old Egyptian national faces a single charge of rape following an alleged attack on a woman in a wooded area off Maxwell Road in Bournemouth on 5th November.
The court heard that the alleged victim was unknown to Eltbie prior to the incident. During the hearing, the defendant denied the offence through his defence counsel, Selina Goddard, who stated that Eltbie claims the sexual encounter was "consensual".
Immigration Status and Bail Refusal
The magistrates were informed that Eltbie arrived in the UK in July 2023 and subsequently applied for asylum, but his application was refused. His current immigration status was described as "uncertain" during proceedings.
Paul Crompton, chairman of the magistrates' panel, refused bail application, stating there were substantial grounds to believe Eltbie would fail to surrender to custody. Mr Crompton emphasised that "if you are convicted of this offence there is a real prospect of you receiving a custodial sentence."
Eltbie was unable to provide the court with a permanent address in Bournemouth, explaining that he had recently moved, which further contributed to the bail refusal decision.
Police Appeal and Next Steps
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins of Dorset Police's major crime investigation team issued a statement following the court appearance, urging the public to avoid speculation about the case. He confirmed that "we have continued to provide support to the victim, and she has been updated with this latest development."
The detective inspector stressed the importance of allowing the justice process to follow its proper course, stating: "This matter will be subject to active court proceedings, and it is vital that the justice process is allowed to follow its course. We would therefore urge members of the public to refrain from speculation or commentary relating to this case, particularly online and on social media."
Mohammed Fathi Eltbie will remain in custody until his next court appearance at Bournemouth Crown Court on 18th December 2025, where he is expected to enter a formal plea.
