A sexual predator who took advantage of a woman’s sleep disorder to abuse her after falling asleep has been jailed. Kemalettin Kurt, 28, from Enfield, had met the victim in a nightclub with her friends off Tottenham Court Road on October 26, 2019.
After leaving the club they went back to a flat as a group and by 4am the next morning the woman got tired to the point she couldn’t keep herself awake due to her sleep disorder, after relaxing on a sofa. 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 including by penetration. He then left the room and went back to the living room.
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Once the victim was able to become fully awake she alerted her friends, having realised what had happened to her. Kurt left the property and the victim made her way home and after speaking with other friends she reported the attack to police.
An investigation was launched by officers from the Met’s Sapphire team based at Charing Cross police station and the victim was supported by a Sexual Offences Investigative Techniques (SOIT) officer.
Kurt, of Woodstock Crescent, Enfield, was later identified after DNA was found on the victim’s underwear. He was arrested on Monday, November 4, 2019. He appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, June 26, 2023 where he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and two years on an extended licence.
He had been found guilty on Monday, May 22 of sexual assault and assault by penetration, following a four-day trial at the same court. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The victim survivor, who has anonymity for life, said after the sentencing: “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.”
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. 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’s website. The page also includes information about agencies and charities which can offer support.
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