A 19-year-old man has appeared in court accused of raping a schoolgirl in the sea during a busy summer’s day at Bournemouth beach.

Gabriel Marinoaica was at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday to face one charge of rape and four counts of sexual assault.

Police were called to reports a 15-year-old had been attacked in the sea near to the Oceanarium in the resort at 4pm on Sunday July 18 2021.

The defendant’s case was sent for trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, with a plea and trial preparation hearing to be held on July 20.

Marinoaica, of Darlastan, Walsall, was released on unconditional bail until then.