A TURKISH teenager who sexually assaulted a woman after a night out in Worcester has been jailed for three years and told he will be deported when released.
Abdul Tekagac, 19, and previously of Wyld’s Lane, pleaded guilty last month to sexual assault at Worcester Crown Court and was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday).
The incident took place on April 11 when the teenage woman left Velvet Lounge Nightclub in Angel Place and was walking home.
She became aware a man was following her and as she approached the railway arches at the junction with Infirmary Walk, Tekagac approached her and grabbed her by the hand.
He put his arms around her and lifted her off her feet, which caused her to fall backwards and onto the ground.
He climbed on top of her, sexually assaulted her and attempted to kiss her, but because she was struggling and shouting at him, he shortly gave up and ran off.
Three days later officers arrested Tekagac, charged him with sexual assault and he was remanded in custody by magistrates.
As well as being imprisoned, Tekagac was ordered by the judge to be deported back to Turkey when his sentence finishes.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Williamson said: “While such stranger attacks are rare, they are extremely worrying, so we hope this sentence reassures the community that the man responsible for this high-profile crime is off the streets.
“Thankfully, the young woman’s actions seemed to deter Tekagac, but we were always concerned the assault could have been much worse.
“Our thoughts are now with her: she was left very distressed by the incident and we hope seeing her attacker behind bars will help as she continues to come to terms with what happened.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure all victims of sexual crimes that, whatever the circumstances, they can come forward and report what has happened to them. The police will taken them seriously, we will prosecute where possible and help is available from specialist support groups.”
Police have issued a reminder on the back of Tekagac’s sentencing, that anyone who has been a victim of a sexual assault or rape, can call West Mercia Police on 101.
Their website at www.westmercia.police.uk/tackling-rape-and-sexual-crime/support-services.html also has details of a range of support groups.
