MAN JAILED FOR RAPING AND CONTROLLING A WOMAN
A 23-year-old man from Cheshire has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of raping and exerting control over a woman for several months.The Crown Prosecution Service reported that Sefa Sarikaya coerced the woman into sexual acts and restricted her social interactions by preventing her from seeing friends and family.
He also altered the passcode on her mobile device to monitor her activity and dictated her choices regarding clothing and makeup.
He compelled her to abandon her job, making her financially dependent on him, and subjected her to verbal abuse and physical violence.
The victim eventually reported the abuse to the authorities, though Sarikaya denied the allegations.
After a thorough review of the evidence, he faced charges that included multiple counts of rape, an assault by beating, and controlling and coercive behaviour.
In a trial held in March at Chester Crown Court, he was convicted of three counts of rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour, and one assault.
He was acquitted of two rape charges, as well as allegations of attempted strangulation and another assault.
On July 19, 2024, Sarikaya was sentenced to seven years in prison at Chester Crown Court and will remain on the sex offenders register until further notice.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Simon Pover, an expert from CPS Mersey Cheshire’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) unit, stated: “Sefa Sarikaya is a serious sexual offender who controlled and demeaned his victim so that she had nowhere to turn.
“He isolated his victim, jealously controlling many aspects of her life, as such offenders often do.
They rob their victim of their self-worth and the agency to escape their situation.
“Fortunately, this lady did find the courage to approach police then worked with them and the Crown Prosecution Service to bring the offender to justice.
“The CPS sincerely hopes that this successful prosecution helps her to rebuild her life and to live as she chooses to.”
