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Defendant in Bournemouth Park Assault Trial Says Encounter Was Only Kissing

Jurors are weighing conflicting accounts grounded in CCTV plus a statement from the victim's mother.

Overview

  • Testifying at Winchester Crown Court, Abdinasir Elmi said the woman kissed him first and that he only kissed her in return while keeping his hands over her clothing.
  • Prosecutors allege he watched her group on CCTV, approached when she was alone, led her past the bus stop to a bench in Bournemouth Gardens, and sexually assaulted her before she broke free.
  • The teenager reported the incident later that night on April 22, 2025, and a responding officer said she struggled to speak about it and was very upset.
  • A written statement from the mother described a hysterical late‑night call from her daughter and said the family noticed lasting changes in the young woman's behavior.
  • Elmi has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching, with reporting noting he stayed at a hotel used to house migrants and trained with Bournemouth Athletics Club, details some outlets highlight even though the jury must decide the case on the evidence.