A man who raped a teenage girl in Surrey has been jailed after a court heard the powerful words of the survivor, who asked him directly: “Why?”
Ali Cayir, now 24, from Thames Ditton, raped a young girl in April 2019 after inviting her to his home.
Both Cayir and the victim were under 18 at the time.
Months later, in December 2019, the girl bravely reported the attack to police, beginning a lengthy legal process.
Following delays, the case was finally heard this year, with a one-week trial at Kingston Crown Court.
Cayir was convicted of rape and sentenced on March 26 to six years in prison.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, the now young woman addressed her attacker directly, describing the lasting impact of his actions.
She said: “I want to ask you one question as you sit there and listen to me speak… why?
“But whatever you say I won’t believe you.
“I don’t trust you’re capable of telling me the truth and taking responsibility.
“I have waited seven years for this day to come.
“If I asked you to wait for anything that long, would you?
“The day you chose to rape me you changed my life for the worst, your minutes of selfishness has ruined my perception on life.
“I see myself now as a survivor and not a victim.
“I will rebuild my life, one day and one step at a time, I know I can hold my head up high, knowing this was not my fault.”
Detective Constable Daniel Baldwin, who led the investigation, praised the survivor’s courage in coming forward.
He said: “I would like to thank this strong young woman for coming forward and putting her trust in us to help bring this offender to justice.
“We hope the outcome of these proceedings has allowed her a form of closure or ability to move forward with pride.
“The impact that sexual offences have on survivors is lasting and profound and we remain committed to thoroughly investigating offences of this nature, so please do report any offences to us – we will listen.”
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