Shocking Assault Outside Bournemouth Nightclub
CCTV footage captures the moment Abdoela Berhan, a 35-year-old Eritrean national, delivers a single forceful punch that knocks 21-year-old Cleo Lake unconscious outside Cameo nightclub in Bournemouth. The incident unfolded in the early hours of December 7, 2024, after Lake and her friends rejected his advances.
Berhan approached the group as they ate outside the venue, attempting to put his arm around one of them. Lake told him to leave and pushed him away. He responded with a kick, which she dodged and countered. Berhan then swung his left fist, striking her face and causing her to collapse motionless on the ground before he fled.
Court Convictions and Ongoing Manhunt
Berhan, whose address is listed as the Britannia Hotel, failed to appear for his trial at Poole Magistrates’ Court. Judge Orla Austin found him guilty of assault by beating. She issued a warrant for his arrest, stating that prison remains a strong consideration.
This conviction came just a week after he was found guilty in absentia for attacking a Subway worker in a separate incident. He also faces conviction for criminal damage to a police cell, with three active warrants for his arrest. Police confirm enquiries continue as Berhan remains at large.
Victim’s Injuries and Lasting Impact
Lake suffered a broken nose and was unconscious for about five minutes. Paramedics transported her to the hospital, but she left after a four-hour wait. A later GP visit confirmed the fracture had healed crookedly.
Speaking about the footage, Lake described it as ‘hard to watch.’ She told the court: ‘He tried to sit down with us, I got uncomfortable because none of us knew who he was, it was dark and there was no one else around. I told him to f*** off and he didn’t like it. We were arguing, swearing at each other and he got rather close so I shoved him back. He turned around and kicked me, but missed, then I kicked him.’
The aftermath profoundly affected Lake, a waitress and bartender. She shared: ‘After I didn’t go out for a while. I got quite a bit of bad anxiety around men, I just felt really uncomfortable around them. Even now, a year and a half later, I won’t go out clubbing unless there’s a lot of us or someone’s boyfriend is there, for protection. Because I have the thought that something bad will kick off.’
Lake expressed frustration over his evasion: ‘I know how slow the police are with things, it doesn’t feel like they are trying very hard. I don’t know if he will end up getting what he deserves. And it’s quite scary knowing he’s probably still out there, maybe still in the area.’
Her mother, watching the footage in court, gasped audibly and fears he has vanished permanently.
Berhan’s Defense Claim
Following his arrest, Berhan claimed self-defense, insisting he had no intent to assault Lake. He stated he reacted to being pushed, saw her stumble, and then walked away.
