Man jailed for "brazen" rape of girl, 15, in sea off Bournemouth beach
Gabriel Marinoaica was convicted of a "horrific" sexual attack
Last updated 19th Apr 2024
A man has been jailed for 6 and a half years for raping a 15-year-old girl in the sea off Bournemouth beach.
Gabriel Marinoaica, 20, of Darlaston, Walsall, was convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault at his trial in March.
Judge Susan Evans KC called the daytime attack "brazen".
The jury at Bournemouth Crown Court heard the victim had been dragged out of her depth in the water and attacked near the Oceanarium in July 2021.
The court was told the girl was playing with a ball with her friends in the water when it landed in front of Marinoaica
She went over and asked for it back, which led to him engaging her in conversation.
The jury was told he then pulled her deeper out into the sea until she could not touch the floor before he sexually assaulted and raped her.
The victim was only able to escape when a friend of Marinoaica approached them and she scrambled back to the beach and her own group of friends.
Dorset Police said she was deeply shocked and upset but was able to tell close family about what had happened.
A DNA profile of Marinoaica was obtained and following a lengthy police investigation he was arrested at his home in June 2022.
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of Dorset's Major Crime Investigation Team, said:
“This young victim was subjected to a horrific sexual attack. She has shown immense courage to come forward and report the offences and I want to thank her for the strength she has shown in supporting our investigation throughout our lengthy enquiries to identify the offender and bring him to justice.
“I hope her bravery will encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward in the knowledge that they will be fully supported and we will do all we can to ensure those responsible are identified and brought before the courts.
“I want to again thank all those from across Dorset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service who have assisted in this comprehensive investigation.”