Man appears in court for rape on Bournemouth beach

Dorset Police received a report at 8.40pm on May 19 that a young girl had been raped and another young girl had been sexually assaulted on Bournemouth beach.

The incident happened near Bournemouth Oceanarium at around 7.30pm on May 19.

Following a thorough investigation, 24-year-old Antony Dearden Demetriades from Bournemouth was charged with two counts of rape and sexual assault and appeared before Poole Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday 23 May.

Demetriades will appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on June 20.

Detective Inspector Mark Fursman of Dorset Police said: “The investigation remains very intensive and I would ask anyone who has any information that may assist our investigation to come forward.”

“I would like to ask anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the Oceanarium area on Sunday evening, May 19, 2024, to come forward.

“I would also urge anyone who may have taken footage or images from the beach that evening to review the footage and see if there is anything that could assist our investigation.

“We fully recognise that reports of this nature can cause concern in our communities and I would like to reassure residents that there is an increased police presence in the area and residents can contact officers with any information or concerns.

“We will again work with our partners at the beginning of the summer months to ensure a visible presence in the beach and marine areas.

“This was a rapid and detailed investigation and we consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, who approved the charges.

“This matter is currently the subject of legal proceedings and therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.

“It is vital that the legal process can take its course and I would like to remind the public that no comments or information that could potentially prejudice these proceedings should be shared online or on social media.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or on 101, quoting incident number 55240074793.

Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling the freephone number 0800 555 111.