A man whose application for asylum in the UK was rejected has pleaded not guilty to the rape of a woman in a wooded area of Bournemouth.
Details of the Alleged Offence and Court Appearance
The alleged attack is reported to have taken place in the Dorset seaside resort on November 5. The victim is a woman in her 30s.
Mohammed Fathi Eltbie, a 24-year-old from Egypt, entered his plea at Bournemouth Crown Court. He was represented by barrister Nick Robinson and assisted by an Arabic interpreter during the hearing.
Defendant's Status and Upcoming Trial Dates
The court heard that Eltbie's immigration status is "uncertain". His asylum application was refused in January, after he entered the UK in July 2023.
Judge Robert Pawson remanded Eltbie in custody and set out the crucial dates for the case. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2026, with the full trial set to begin on May 26, 2026.
The judge emphasised the importance of Eltbie cooperating with his legal team, stating: "It's important that you give them a full account of what you say happened." He also explained that the verdict would be decided by 12 impartial members of the public selected at random, not by the judge.
Legal Process and Remand
Eltbie will remain in custody until his trial next year. Judge Pawson concluded the hearing by reminding the defendant of the upcoming dates: "We will see you on March 23 and in the meantime you remain remanded in custody."
The case highlights the intersection of the criminal justice system and the UK's asylum process, with the trial not expected to commence for several months.
