Lamin Sanneh

A 47-year-old man, Lamin Sanneh, of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court for the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Bournemouth. The incident occurred in July 2019 at an address in the town, where the victim had fallen asleep and awoke to find Sanneh sexually assaulting her. This despicable act left the victim vulnerable as she was unable to protect herself during the assault.

In addition to the rape conviction, Sanneh was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. This charge stemmed from an incident in September 2021 in Poole, where police officers attended an address and discovered Sanneh present with a package containing wraps of cocaine. Further evidence came from a seized mobile phone belonging to Sanneh, which contained messages indicative of involvement in the supply of illegal drugs, including cocaine.

The sentencing took place on 11th December 2023, with Sanneh also receiving an extended licence period of three years upon his release. Detective Sergeant Neil Jones of Dorset Police commended the victim's courage in reporting the crime and supporting the investigation, stating: "I want to praise the victim in this case for having the courage to come forward and report this matter to police, and for the strength she has shown in supporting the investigation and court process. She was subjected to a despicable sexual assault as she slept and could not protect herself." The case highlights the ongoing efforts by Dorset Police to hold perpetrators of sexual offences accountable, as noted by DS Jones.

The rape charge was the primary focus of the trial, with the court determining Sanneh's guilt based on the evidence presented. The drug-related conviction added to the severity of the overall case, demonstrating a pattern of criminal behaviour. This sentencing serves as a significant outcome in bringing justice to the victim after a lengthy investigation spanning several years.