UMIT TURKEL'S SHOCKING CRIME IN BENFLEET AND EASTBOURNE RAILWAY STATION

In December 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Umit Turkel, a resident of London Road, Benfleet, that drew significant attention from local authorities and the community alike. The case centered around a young woman who was subjected to a series of heinous acts outside Eastbourne railway station, an area bustling with commuters and travelers.

According to court records and police investigations, Turkel approached the woman while she was waiting for a lift home, accompanied by a group of friends. The encounter quickly escalated from inappropriate behavior to a more serious assault. Witnesses reported that Turkel first rubbed the woman's shoulder in a manner that was clearly unwelcome, then proceeded to inappropriately touch her in front of her friends, causing her to protest and ask him to stop.

Despite her pleas, Turkel ignored her objections. The situation intensified when the woman pushed him away in an effort to defend herself. In response, Turkel reacted violently, punching her multiple times in the face. The assault was interrupted only when a member of the public intervened, preventing further harm to the victim.

Following the incident, Turkel was taken into custody and faced charges of sexual assault and assault. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Imogen Sweeney of the British Transport Police, who described the attack as "nasty and vicious," emphasizing that the victim was simply waiting with friends at the station when she was targeted.

At Lewes Crown Court on November 30, 2018, Turkel was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and assault. The court sentenced him to six months in jail, though the sentence was suspended for 24 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, Turkel was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next seven years. As part of his punishment, he was also required to pay £850 in court costs, a victim surcharge of £140, and £150 in compensation to the victim.

DC Sweeney commented on the case, stating, “This was a nasty and vicious assault on a young female who was simply waiting with friends at the station for a lift home. Turkel deliberately began an interaction with the group before groping his victim. He then punched her in the jaw when she objected.” The case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the serious consequences of such criminal behavior.