A lorry driver has been sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison after being convicted of raping a teenage girl in his lorry cab in Greenhithe. The attack occurred on London Road on 30 August 2023, and the man fled the country before being caught.
Police Hunting Suspect Abroad
Kent Police launched an immediate investigation after the 16-year-old victim reported the assault. CCTV footage helped identify a foreign-registered lorry, which was traced to Turkey. Forensic tests revealed the attacker’s DNA, but it did not match any on the national database at the time.
DNA Breakthrough Leads To Arrest
In 2024, a breakthrough came when Samet Duman, a Turkish national, was arrested for an unrelated crime and had his DNA added to the database, linking him conclusively to the Greenhithe rape. Duman had fled the UK but was placed on national and international wanted lists.
Capture At Stansted Airport
Police received intelligence that Duman would attempt to return to the UK and arrested him at Stansted Airport on 7 June 2025. He denied the offence but was convicted after a two-week trial at the Old Bailey.
Victim Praised For Bravery
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.” “Thanks to the victim’s courage and the perseverance of the investigative team, the offender has been held fully accountable for his actions.”
