A man who sexually abused a vulnerable woman whilst she slept has been jailed following an investigation by the Met’s Sapphire Team.
Kemalettin Kurt, 28 of Woodstock Crescent, Enfield appeared at Southwark Crown Court yesterday, Monday, 26 June where he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and two years’ on an extended licence.
He was found guilty of sexual assault and assault by penetration, following a four-day trial at the same court on Monday, 22 May.
He has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The victim survivor, a woman in her 20s suffers from a sleep disorder, meaning she can fall asleep without warning and cannot fight to keep herself awake.
Detective Sergeant Henh Song, from North East Command, said: “This man took complete advantage of a vulnerable woman. I would like to commend the victim for her bravery throughout the investigation and her willingness to give such strong evidence in court. I know this sentencing will not take away her trauma but I hope it offers her some justice.
“This case really highlights the fact that if you are a victim of sexual assault, you will be listened to, believed and we will seek justice.”
On Saturday, 26 October 2019 the victim went out with friends to a nightclub just off Tottenham Court Road. Here she was introduced to Kurt. They partied with her friends in the club.
At the end of the evening the victim and her friends went back to a mutual friend’s flat for an after party. By now it was 04:00hrs on Sunday, 27 October.
The victim remembers relaxing on a sofa when she felt tired, she soon fell asleep.
A couple of friends carried the victim onto a bed and went back to the living room. Kurt entered the room whilst she was asleep and sexually assaulted her. He then left the room and went back to the living room.
Once the victim was able to become fully awake she alerted her friends, having realised what had happened to her.
Kurt left the property. The victim-survivor made her way home and after speaking with other friends she reported the attack to police.
An investigation was launched by officers from the Sapphire team based at Charing Cross police station and the victim was supported by a Sexual Offences Investigative Techniques (SOIT) officer.
Kurt was later identified after DNA was found on the victim’s underwear. He was arrested on Monday, 4 November 2019.
The victim survivor, said: “When I initially reported the incident, I was hesitant but luckily enough I had friends who encouraged me to report it. I’m glad that I did because it ended up being rewarding. I got the justice I needed. I had the most supportive SOIT officer who genuinely believed in me. She also fought as hard as she could for me and that helped me a lot. I think that’s integral for cases like these. The success rate is so low that I always needed that boost to think that I still had a chance at receiving justice.
“I really want others who have been in a similar situation to have the courage to report the incident. I also cannot stress the significance of reporting an incident sooner. It means you can collect the evidence whilst it’s still fresh in your mind and collect any DNA before it goes away. The jury have a lot of pressure to determine someone’s life so making sure the DNA is available to find is key. I also encourage people to go straight to the station as doing it online results in the police showing up at your door and depending on the situation you are in, it may not be the best option. But most of all, we need people to believe that justice is available for survivors of sexual assault and rape. It may not come in the way that you would expect it to but it can be obtainable.”
We are investing hundreds more officers and staff into targeting abusers, supporting victims, and making women and girls safer in town centres, parks, streets, their own homes, relationships and online. It is the priority of every officer and member of staff to target those committing violence against women and girls.
Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence can find specific information on The Met Police website, our website. The page also includes information about agencies and charities which can offer support.
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