Samet Duman was arrested on the Stansted Airport runway as soon as he stepped off his flight, after being convicted of the rape of a teenager following an international manhunt and DNA breakthrough
A lorry driver was nicked as his plane touched down for the “deeply traumatic” rape of a teenager.
Samet Duman was cuffed on the tarmac the moment he disembarked from his flight following the horrific attack. The 35-year-old had scarpered abroad after enticing the victim into his lorry cab before sexually assaulting the teen.
CCTV footage and thorough investigations led to the identification of the vehicle which was subsequently tracked to Turkey. The incident took place on August 30, 2023, on London Road, Greenhithe, Kent, as reported by NeedToKnow. Investigations by detectives from Kent Police pressed on until 2024 when a DNA breakthrough emerged.
DNA belonging to the suspect was recovered with no matches initially – until Duman was detained for a separate matter which triggered a hit on the database.
Despite the definitive match, investigations showed he had bolted overseas and was subsequently flagged as “wanted” to domestic and international agencies.
Police were then tipped off that the lorry driver was due to land at Stansted Airport on June 7, 2025.
Officers lay in wait on the runway and slapped handcuffs on him the instant he stepped onto British soil.
Duman from Hilda’s Way, Gravesend, pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty by a jury following a two-week trial at the Old Bailey.
The 35-year-old was jailed for eight years and eight months on April 21. Investigating officer Detective Constable James Lake stated: “This was a terrifying and deeply traumatic ordeal for the victim, who was targeted by a stranger and subjected to an appalling offence.
“Her bravery in coming forward and supporting this investigation has been extraordinary, particularly given the distress she has endured.
“Through the support of the victim and her family, she was able to deliver effective evidence to help bring this predatory offender to justice.
“From the outset, Duman provided false and contradictory accounts, a pattern of dishonesty that continued throughout the investigation and at trial.
“Thanks to the victim’s courage and the perseverance of the investigative team, he has now been held fully accountable for his actions.”