A man who raped a 15-year-old girl in the sea in front of a packed beach has been locked up. Gabriel Marinoaica targeted the non-swimmer then took her out of her depth so she could not stand.

He then covered her mouth to stop her screaming as he carried out the horrific attack. The 15-year-old victim only escaped after someone approached them allowing her to get away.

Marinoaica, 20, from Darlaston in the West Midlands, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing on Friday having previously been found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in custody.

He was placed on the sex offenders' register for life. He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for a period of 20 years.

The incident happened on the afternoon of Sunday July 18, 2021 in the sea near to the Oceanarium at Bournemouth. The victim, aged 15 at the time, was playing with a ball with her friends in the water when it landed in front of the defendant.

When she went over to ask for it back, the defendant engaged her in conversation. He then pulled the girl deeper out into the sea until she could no longer touch the bottom before he sexually assaulted her and raped her.

The victim managed to get away when a friend of the defendant came over to them and she returned to the beach with her friends. She told them what happened and they helped her get away from the beach to safety.

After police were informed about the incident, an extensive investigation was launched by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT). A DNA profile of the offender was obtained and, following detailed enquiries, Marinoaica was arrested at his home address on Saturday, June 11, 2022 and subsequently charged.

Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of MCIT, 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.”