A vicious bully who subjected his partner to months of horrific abuse, culminating in a prolonged and brutal assault that left her fighting for her life, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Ozgur Suyolcu, 30, was told he must serve a minimum of 13 years behind bars for his appalling crimes.
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Ozgur Suyolcu Photo: Kent Police
Suyolcu’s reign of terror came to an end on April 13, 2024, when police responded to a desperate call from a woman near Tunbridge Wells who feared she was dying. Upon arrival, officers found Suyolcu inside the flat, who attempted to deceive them by claiming his partner had been “attacked by drug dealers” and did not need an ambulance.
His lies quickly unraveled. Inside a bedroom, officers discovered the victim in a critical condition, barely able to move or breathe. She was rushed to hospital with an extensive list of injuries, a grim testament to the ferocity of Suyolcu’s attacks. Her injuries included fractures to her jaw, shoulders, breastbone, ribs, vertebrae, and arms. Both of her lungs had collapsed, and her body was covered in bruises and bite marks. Medical staff also found evidence of multiple burns, inflicted by Suyolcu using a clothes steamer, and signs of previous internal bleeding.
Detectives quickly uncovered the full extent of the victim’s ordeal. For almost a year, she had been systematically beaten and controlled by Suyolcu, who even forbade her from contacting her own family. The most recent assaults were particularly savage, with Suyolcu attacking her with multiple weapons, including a heavy-duty bike lock and a hammer, which was later found hidden behind a chest of drawers in the bedroom.
Suyolcu, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and controlling and coercive behaviour. An attempted murder charge was ordered to be left on file.
In addition to his life sentence, Suyolcu will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order, ensuring he can never again contact his victim. He will be eligible to apply for parole after serving 13 years, minus 424 days already spent on remand.
Detective Constable Emily Hill said:
‘The sheer brutality of Suyolcu’s actions towards his victim was truly horrifying. He would regularly beat her for no reason, before the terrifying violence she was forced to endure escalated to savage attacks with a hammer.
‘There is little doubt that had she not summoned the extraordinary courage to reach out for help and call the police she may not have survived.
‘The victim has suffered tremendously but is also incredibly resilient and brave and I do hope that now Suyolcu can cause her no further harm, she can move on with her life and once again feel safe.
‘We continue to urge all victims of domestic abuse to come forward, confident in the knowledge they will receive the best possible service.
‘Remember, you are not to blame for what is happening and you can report it to us or contact several support organisations who can and will help you.’