Man jailed for Bournemouth beach rape

A man who raped a teenager in the sea at Bournemouth beach on 18 July 2021 has been jailed for six years and six months.

Gabriel Marinoaica, 20, pulled the victim – who was 15 at the time of the offence – out of her depth before going on to sexually assault and then rape her.

Marinoaica was identified after 11 months following familial DNA work.

He denied that he raped the victim, instead claiming that all sexual activity was consensual.

However, through the strength of the victim’s evidence and that of her friends, CPS prosecutors unravelled his lies to prove that any sexual contact between Marinoaica and the victim was non-consensual.

He was found guilty of three sexual assaults and one count of rape after a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court on 14 March 2024.

Tracy Harris, a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex said, “Gabriel Marinoaica had no regard for his victim, rather, dragging her out into the sea where she would not be able to stand, thus completely vulnerable to him.

“His despicable behaviour shows his only regard was for his own sexual gratification.

“We worked closely with Dorset Police to prove that not only was Marinoaica the perpetrator, but that he knew he did not have consent.

“This event has undoubtedly changed the course of the victim’s life, and we commend her courage and strength throughout these proceedings.

“The CPS is committed to ensuring those committing such abhorrent crimes are prosecuted and we hope today’s result shows any victims of sexual violence that help is always available to them.”