Asylum seeker on the run after assaulting two women in Bournemouth
An Eritrean national who was convicted of assaulting a young woman outside a nightclub just one week after being found guilty of attacking a Subway worker is now on the run after failing to appear in court. Abdoela Berhan, 35, punched Cleo Lake, then 20, in the face after she and her friends rejected his advances, knocking her unconscious and breaking her nose. The incident occurred outside Cameo nightclub in Bournemouth on December 7, 2024.
Berhan, whose address was listed as the taxpayer-funded Britannia Hotel migrant hotel, was found guilty of the assault in his absence. Poole Magistrates' Court has issued two warrants for his arrest, but police confirm he remains at large and enquiries are ongoing.
Details of the assault
The court heard how Berhan approached Miss Lake and two friends after they left the nightclub in the early hours. He sat next to them, making them feel uncomfortable, and tried to put his arm around one. Miss Lake told him to 'f**k off' and stood up to him when he became aggressive. Berhan started swearing and getting into her personal space, leading her to push him away. He then punched her in the face, knocking her out cold, and fled the scene.
Miss Lake sustained a black eye and a broken nose. She told the court she was unconscious for about five minutes and was taken to hospital by ambulance. The impact on her life has been significant: she said she developed anxiety around men and now avoids going out clubbing unless there is a large group or a male friend for protection.
Previous conviction
Just one week earlier, Berhan was convicted in his absence of assaulting a Subway worker in Bournemouth. On November 30, 2024, after being drunk and obnoxious to staff and customers, he was asked to leave. He responded by spitting and kicking worker Sahjan Chowdhury before fleeing. He was later caught when he returned to the same Subway branch hours later as a Just Eat delivery driver. Berhan claimed he was the one assaulted and accused staff of racism, but CCTV evidence contradicted his claims.
Judge's comments
Judge Orla Austin said: 'Mr Berhan attempted to kick Miss Lake, then punched her in the face. It was a forceful blow and caused her to lose consciousness. Her friends were extremely concerned and an ambulance had to be called. She has suffered significantly physically and psychologically.' The judge added that prison is 'very much in the forefront of my mind' and reserved sentencing.
Britannia Hotel controversy
The Britannia Hotel in Bournemouth, where Berhan was staying, has been dubbed Britain's 'most dangerous asylum hotel' after a string of migrants there were convicted for violent crimes. The 123-room, three-star hotel has been the scene of angry protests by locals concerned about its use by the Home Office for around 100 asylum seekers. Figures released last August showed 91 charges were brought against people staying at the Britannia and Roundhouse hotels, and another 25 at the Chine Hotel, totalling 116 counts against 51 different asylum seekers.
