Man, 19, appears in court charged with rape of 15-year-old girl in the sea off Bournemouth beach

A 19-year-old man appeared in court today charged with the rape of a 15-year-old girl in the sea in front of thousands of people.

The girl was playing with a ball with friends at Bournemouth beach, Dorset, in July 2021, when she was allegedly attacked in the water.

She later made a complaint that she had been raped, sparking a major police investigation and an appeal to track down the suspect on BBC’s Crimewatch.

Gabriel Marinoaica, from Darlaston, West Midlands, appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court today via a video link charged in connection with the incident.

He sat next to his lawyer dressed in a black Nike T-shirt and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a five minute hearing.

A girl was playing with a ball with friends at Bournemouth beach, Dorset, when she was allegedly attacked in the water

The alleged rape happened in the sea at about 4pm on July 18, 2021, the hottest day of the year at the time, when the beach was packed with tourists

Five charges that Marinoaica faces were read out by the court clerk. They are four counts of sexual assault and one of rape.

The case was sent straight to Bournemouth Crown Court but it was indicated Marinoaica would be pleading not guilty to all charges.

The alleged rape happened in the sea at about 4pm on July 18, 2021, the hottest day of the year at the time, when the beach was packed with tourists.

Marinoaica will appear for a preliminary hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on July 20.

He was released on unconditional bail until then.