Turkish lorry driver who raped teenage girl in Greenhithe and then fled to Turkey jailed
A lorry driver who raped a teenage girl in his cab has been jailed for almost nine years.
Samet Duman, 35, of St Hilda's Way, Gravesend, was convicted by a jury of raping the girl following a two-week trial at the Old Bailey.
Police said they received a report the teenager had been raped by an unknown man in a lorry parked in London Road, Greenhithe, on August 30, 2023.
Detectives reviewed CCTV footage which helped identify a foreign-registered lorry later traced to Turkey.
Forensic examinations also uncovered DNA belonging to the suspect but at the time there was no match on the national database.
The breakthrough came in 2024, when Duman was arrested in connection with an unrelated matter and his DNA was uploaded to the database, leading to a conclusive match.
By then he had already fled the country.
He was flagged as a wanted man to national and international authorities.
Officers later received intelligence he was due to return to the UK and arrested him at Stansted Airport on June 7 last year.
Duman, a Turkish national, denied the offence but was convicted by a jury following a two-week trial at the Old Bailey.
He was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison on April 21.
Investigating officer Detective Constable James Lake said: “This was a terrifying and deeply traumatic ordeal for the victim, who was targeted by a stranger and subjected to an appalling offence.
“Her bravery in coming forward and supporting this investigation has been extraordinary, particularly given the distress she has endured.
“Through the support of the victim and her family, she was able to deliver effective evidence to help bring this predatory offender to justice.
“From the outset, Duman provided false and contradictory accounts, a pattern of dishonesty that continued throughout the investigation and at trial.
“Thanks to the victim’s courage and the perseverance of the investigative team, he has now been held fully accountable for his actions.”