Man raped teenager who couldn't swim after taking her deeper into sea off British beach, court hears

March 11, 2024

A 20-year-old man raped a 15-year-old girl after taking her out into the sea off Bournemouth beach on a busy summer's day, a court has heard.

Gabriel Marinoaica, of Walsall, West Midlands, is standing trial on one count of rape and four of sexual assault at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The alleged victim was in the sea with friends on 18 July 2021 when she started playing with a ball with another group in the water, prosecutor Ellie Fargin said.

The girl encountered the defendant when her friends had returned to the beach and Marinoaica picked up the ball after it was kicked away.

The defendant then allegedly asked the girl her name and age, before introducing himself as Dabby from Birmingham.

Ms Fargin said: "It was at this point the defendant pulled at [her] arm and pulled her out to sea.

"[She] could no longer touch the bottom, she really was in deep water. [She] told the defendant 'No get off me' but he ignored her.

"He was touching her everywhere, she was uncomfortable and wanted to get out but the defendant pulled her out further."

When the teenager said she did not want to have sex, Marinoaica groped her, kissed her neck, and raped her for around a minute until someone approached, Ms Fargin alleged.

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She said the alleged victim could not scream because the defendant had his hand over her mouth.

Ms Fargin said: "He took her out of her depth, he made her vulnerable, she couldn't even swim, he might not have known that but he might have known she could not touch the bottom.

"And why did he do that? So he could do what he wanted to do."

The teenager told her family about the alleged incident and they informed police.

Marinoaica was arrested 11 months later and semen found in the girl's bikini matched his DNA, the court heard.

The 20-year-old denies all charges and claims the complainant initiated sexual activity with him.

The trial continues.

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