A 17-YEAR-OLD Bournemouth girl woke up to find a drug dealer raping her. 

Lamin Sanneh, 47, sexually assaulted and raped a girl at an address in Bournemouth in July 2019, Bournemouth Crown Court heard. 

The victim has fallen asleep before Sanneh sexually assaulted her after which she woke up and he raped her, police say. 

However, the defendant was was also found to have supplied drugs in September 2021 when a raid in Poole uncovered a package containing wraps of cocaine while Sanneh was there. 

A phone belonging to Sanneh had also been seized that contained messages which appeared to relate to the supply of illegal drugs.  

He was eventually arrested by detectives in March 2023 and later charged. 

At a hearing at crown court held on Thursday, December 7, the judge sentenced Sanneh, of no fixed abode, to 10 years in prison. 

He will also serve an extended licence period of a further three years. 

He had previously been found guilty at a trial at the same court of offences of rape and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. 

Detective sergeant Neil Jones, of Dorset Police, said: “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. 

“I hope the bravery she has shown throughout this lengthy investigation inspires others who have been victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them in the knowledge that they will be supported and we will continue to do all we can to identify perpetrators and hold them to account for their offending.” 

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report directly to the police, call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially-trained police officer.  

Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.