GIRL, 15, RAPED BY MAN SHE MET AT YORKSHIRE SEASIDE FUNFAIR
A court has found a man guilty of raping a 15-year-old girl, whom he lured into a bedroom after a day out at a seaside funfair.The man, described as having 'steered' the girl into a private room and locking the door, was convicted following a retrial at Hull Crown Court.
The incident took place on August 18, 2020, and involved a predator searching among crowds for vulnerable young girls.
The victim, who had been drinking earlier in the day at the beach, was taken back to the man’s shared house in Promenade, Bridlington.
The court heard that he led her into a bedroom under the pretense of showing her to the bathroom.
Once inside, he locked the door and assaulted her—despite her protests and attempts to push him away.
The girl managed to escape when she heard knocking on the door.
Police found her outside, and she was clear in her account, stating she did not consent to the sexual activity.
Mehmed Mehmed, aged 41, denied the charges but was convicted by a jury after a second trial—his previous trial ending with a hung jury.
Prosecutor Richard Davies described her day, which included visiting the beach and harbor, and going to the funfair with friends, where she drank alcohol bought by Mehmed and his associates.
Her intoxication was significant, estimated to be five or six times over the legal limit for driving.
Following the incident, she reported feeling dirty and experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, and paranoia.
Her mental health issues include anxiety and difficulty trusting men, which have impacted her personal life.
She expressed relief that justice had been achieved.
The defense highlighted that Mehmed had no previous convictions either in the UK or Bulgaria and that his actions during the incident were out of character.
He was said to be a diligent worker and family man, with good references.
Sentencing included an eight-year prison term, a lifelong restraining order, and mandatory registration as a sex offender for life.
