A failed asylum seeker who arrived in Britain on a small boat has been jailed for six years for trying to rape a woman in a late-night attack. Mehmet Bulut, 31, followed the woman near a subway in Hereford before launching the assault, which was caught on CCTV.
Attack details
Worcester Crown Court heard Bulut arrived in the UK on a small boat on Boxing Day 2022. Prosecution barrister Simon Phillips said immigration later withdrew his asylum application due to non-compliance, making him an absconder.
The court heard Bulut was lurking near the subway when he followed the woman before attacking her at around 4am on Sunday, August 2. Mr Phillips said Bulut removed some of the victim's clothing as he tried to rape her before initially walking off. He then returned to the victim and attacked her again.
Arrest and comments
The woman told Bulut to "f*** off", to which he replied: "Just sex, just sex," the court heard. Police later received information that Bulut was working at a restaurant called Grillology and arrested him later that day.
He told officers he had been incredibly drunk and was shocked he had acted in the way shown on CCTV. Asked if he had been trying to rape the victim, Bulut, a Turkish-Kurd of no fixed address, replied: "I don't know, I don't know, I swear to God I don't know. If you bring her here, I will kiss her hands and feet and ask for forgiveness."
Court outcome
Defence barrister Dean Easthope said the latter comment was a cultural expression, not sexual, and said Bulut was disgusted, embarrassed and felt terrible. He added that Bulut had no previous convictions, was sorry and had endured a difficult upbringing.
The court heard Bulut had been drinking from a bottle of Jack Daniel's and thought being drunk could have been justification for the attempted rape. But Mr Easthope said his drunkenness actually made matters worse.
Judge Simon Drew KC described the CCTV footage of the attack on the mature lady as shocking and classed Bulut as a "dangerous offender whose actions were terrifying". Bulut admitted one count of attempted rape and was jailed for six years, with a further three years' extended licence. The judge said it was his understanding that, as an asylum seeker who had absconded, Bulut would be deported.
