Small Boat Migrant Jailed for Rape in Stafford Park
Mehmet Ogur, 27, who arrived in the UK on a tiny boat just weeks before the horrific attack, has been locked up for seven years. The Kurdish man was convicted of raping and attempting to rape an 18-year-old woman in a Staffordshire park last January.
Damning Text Confessions Used as Evidence
Ogur, staying at Tamworth’s Holiday Inn Express, first met his victim through Snapchat. After the assault, he sent chilling messages admitting guilt. Prosecutors called these “full and complete admissions.”
“I am really sorry, I didn’t actually want to do this but I couldn’t stop myself,” and “I am sorry for trying to force you to have sex.”
Despite these texts, Ogur claimed Google Translate twisted his words. The jury saw through the excuse and found him guilty last summer.
Judge Condemns ‘Immense Harm’ to Victim
Judge John Edwards, assisted by a Turkish interpreter, told Ogur his crime caused “immense harm” to the victim. The judge hinted Ogur’s future in the UK was out of his hands, acknowledging the defendant’s intelligence and trauma as a Kurdish refugee fleeing violence by sea.
Police Praise Victim’s Bravery
Detective Constable Samuel Infanti of Staffordshire’s rape unit praised the survivor’s courage: “It is because of her bravery that Ogur will now be punished for his crimes. We’re determined to act robustly against those responsible for sexual offences in Staffordshire and to support survivors as much as possible.”
Holiday Inn Express Torn Apart by Rioters
The Tamworth hotel where Ogur lived was badly damaged during August 2024 riots sparked by the Southport dance class stabbings. Several rioters involved were later jailed.
