Failed asylum seeker who came to UK on small boat is jailed for six years for drunken rape attempt on woman in dark subway

A failed asylum seeker who arrived in the UK on a small boat faces deportation after he was jailed for six years for trying to rape a woman in a terrifying late-night attack. 

Mehmet Bulut, 31, was captured on CCTV following the woman into a dark subway in Hereford in the West Midlands at about 4am on Sunday, August 2. 

Worcester Crown Court heard Bulut had been lurking near the subway before he launched a violent and sustained assault on the woman.

Bulut removed some of his victim's clothing during his first attempt before walking away, prosecutor Simon Phillips told the court. 

But he then returned and tried to attack the woman again. 

She told Bulut to 'f*** off,' to which he shouted: 'Just sex, just sex', the court heard. 

Police investigating the incident were told Bulut was working at a restaurant called Grill-O-Logy in Leominster and arrested him later that day. 

Bulut told officers he had been incredibly drunk and was shocked at his actions when shown CCTV of the attempted rape. 

The court heard he had been drinking from a bottle of Jack Daniel's and thought being drunk could have been justification for the attempted rape.  

When asked if he had been trying to rape the woman, Bulut replied: 'I don't know, I don't know, I swear to God I don't know. 

'If you bring her here, I will kiss her hands and feet and ask for forgiveness'. 

Defence barrister Dean Easthope said the latter comment was a cultural expression, not sexual, and that his client was disgusted and embarrassed by his actions. 

The court heard Bulut arrived in the UK on a small boat on Boxing Day 2022.

Mr Easthope said his client, a Turkish-Kurd of no fixed address, had no previous convictions, was sorry and had endured a difficult upbringing. 

Judge Simon Drew KC described the CCTV footage of the attack as shocking and labelled Bulut a 'dangerous offender whose actions were terrifying'. 

Bulut admitted one count of attempted rape and was jailed for six years, with a further three years' extended licence. 

The judge said it was his understanding that, as an asylum seeker who had absconded, Bulut would be deported.