MUSTAFA AKGOL JAILED IN YORK FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AFTER EVADING JUSTICE FOR THREE YEARS
A chef who spent three years avoiding justice after sexually assaulting a woman has been sentenced to prison, York Crown Court heard.Mustafa Akgol forcibly entered a woman’s home and committed the assault.
The jury was told they did not know each other.
Once police identified him as the attacker and charged him, Akgol went on the run and had to be apprehended through a bench warrant.
The woman was required to give evidence twice, as Akgol denied any involvement in a sexual offence.
Ultimately, after a second trial, the jury convicted him of sexual assault, and he was sentenced to three years in prison.
Additionally, he will be placed on the sex offenders register and disqualified from working with vulnerable people and children for life.
Judge Simon Hickey addressed him during sentencing, stating: "A young, vulnerable woman in her own room was assaulted by you, forcing your way in." Akgol, 45, of Redbarn Drive, Osbaldwick, claimed he did not commit the offence.
The court heard he followed the proceedings with the assistance of a Turkish interpreter.
The female victim described the incident, revealing she was at home on the evening of January 14, 2019.
She heard a noise on the stairs, went to her door, and found a stranger standing there.
Before she could react, he pushed his foot into the door, forcing his way inside.
She then retreated to her bed, where he sexually assaulted her, speaking only "Ssssh" during the attack.
Later the same evening, the man returned to her flat, clearly indicating he wanted her to perform a sex act on him.
She told him to leave, and he complied.
The victim said she was "shaking like a leaf" during the ordeal.
Forensic analysis recovered Akgol’s DNA from the woman's bra, along with other unknown DNA.
He was identified by the victim in a police identification procedure following his arrest.
Akgol initially stood trial in November but had to be discharged due to legal issues.
After he went on the run, he was re-arrested.
His second trial took place in February.
During the proceedings, he denied visiting the woman’s bedsit, claiming he spent the evening at another flat in the same building.
He also falsely alleged that the police identification photos included individuals of a different ethnic background than his.
However, police confirmed the 12 photos used in the identification process included images of him.
He also claimed he did not understand the police interview questions, but the court was told that a Turkish interpreter was present translating for him.
