ADINASIR ELMI

A man seeking asylum from Somalia is scheduled to stand trial on charges of sexually assaulting a teenage woman in Bournemouth.

Abdinasir Elmi, 25, who was residing at the Roundhouse Hotel in the Dorset coastal town, faces accusations related to one complainant.

The alleged incidents occurred on April 22.

He is charged with one count of sexual assault by penetration and another for sexual assault by contact.

The court was informed that Elmi's asylum application had been rejected by the Home Office, but he was in the process of appealing that decision.

Judge Charlie Sherrard KC refused a bail application and remanded Elmi into custody until the trial, which is scheduled to commence on February 9, with a preliminary hearing set for January 9.

The alleged offenses are said to have taken place in locations within Lower Gardens and Central Gardens in Bournemouth.

Prior to these allegations, Elmi was emerging as a notable figure in British athletics.

He was ranked 599th globally in the men's 5000 metres and was registered with England Athletics, a publicly funded organization.

A spokesperson for England Athletics stated in November that Elmi's membership had been suspended, and an investigation into the matter was ongoing.

The organization said: 'We can confirm that Abdinasir Elmi's membership with England Athletics has been suspended, and the matter is being investigated by UK Athletics.

We cannot comment further on an ongoing investigation.' Elmi appeared at magistrates' court in October, where he was remanded in custody and denied the charges.

This case is set to proceed, with the trial beginning in February.