Seafront rapist jailed following detailed investigation by detectives
A man who raped a woman on Bournemouth seafront has been jailed following an investigation by detectives.
A comprehensive investigation was launched after a young woman bravely came forward following a sexual attack during the early hours of Sunday 6 July 2025, in the area of Undercliff Drive, Bournemouth.
It was reported that 19-year-old Mohammed Abdullah – of the West Drayton area in Middlesex – had offered to give the victim a lift on his e-bike and conveyed her a short distance along the promenade, before raping her in a public toilet adjacent to the East Cliff Zig-Zag.
Abdullah – a Syrian national who gave his self-defined ethnicity as Arab – rode off on his e-bike following the incident, leaving the young woman distraught and alone in the toilet.
A short time later she flagged down a member of the public whilst visibly distressed. The young woman then used this person’s mobile phone to contact her mother, who then called the police.
A full-scale investigation was launched and Abdullah was identified following enquiries led by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT). He was arrested and subsequently charged with rape and sexual assault by penetration.
A trial was held at Bournemouth Crown Court, where on Friday 15 May 2026 the jury returned a guilty verdict for both rape and sexual assault by penetration. Abdullah was remanded in custody until sentencing.
On Friday 21 August 2026 Abdullah appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court and was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: “Firstly I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the young woman in coming forward and reporting such a horrific and terrifying sexual attack. Throughout our investigation and the subsequent criminal justice process she has shown immense strength, courage and resilience. This young woman’s evidence played a crucial role in securing Abdullah’s conviction and subsequent custodial sentence.
“This was a challenging investigation which required a methodical and detailed approach. Abdullah was identified as the offender due to extensive enquiries carried out by MCIT detectives and police staff colleagues.
“I would like to thank my investigation team for their comprehensive work and the Crown Prosecution Service’s Wessex RASSO Unit for its assistance in securing this conviction and sentence.
“Reporting sexual violence is incredibly difficult. However, I hope this demonstrates our commitment to support victims of rape and sexual offences and ensuring perpetrators are held to account for such serious crimes."
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially-trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.
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