Mehmet Goren, 49, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years for the murder of his 15-year-old daughter Tulay in 1999. The killing, described by police as an "honour killing", occurred after Tulay ran away to live with her boyfriend, a Turkish Kurd from a different Islamic sect. Her body has never been found, making this one of only a handful of murder convictions secured without a corpse.
During the 11-week trial at the Old Bailey, the prosecution argued that Tulay was kidnapped, drugged, and tied up before being killed. Her remains are believed to have been temporarily buried in the family garden. Mehmet's brothers, Ali and Cuma, were acquitted of involvement, despite claims that a family council had decided on the murder. Tulay's mother, Hanim, provided crucial testimony against her husband but now lives in fear of reprisals.
The case highlights the pervasive issue of honour-based violence in the UK. Police estimate 12 honour killings occur annually, with a quarter of victims under 18. Following criticisms in the Banaz Mahmod case, new measures have been introduced, including specialist prosecutors and risk assessment training. Sentencing, Mr Justice Bean noted the meticulous planning and described Mehmet's smile as concealing a "violent and dominating personality". He emphasised that the murder was akin to a racially aggravated crime.
Tulay's sister Nuray appealed for their father to reveal where Tulay's remains are, saying, "I wake up at night wondering where Tulay may be." Detectives first suspected Mehmet in 1999 but lacked evidence. The case was reopened in 2007 following successful prosecutions of similar honour killings.
