**Kebab Shop Car Park Altercation Leads to Suspended Prison Sentence for Armed Man**
A late-night disturbance in a kebab shop’s car park in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, ended with a local man, Tuncay Karakulah, 40, receiving a suspended jail sentence after a violent confrontation with an alleged thief. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of 25 May last year, saw Karakulah knock out a man suspected of breaking into his cousin’s car, having armed himself with a knife during the altercation.
Karakulah was reportedly alerted to the situation by his cousin, who worked at the Marmaris kebab shop. The relative contacted him with concerns that a customer had gained illegal access to his car parked nearby. Responding to the call, Karakulah travelled to the car park from his home and confronted the individual in question, who had ordered food at the takeaway establishment only moments before.
During the sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that the victim told police he had been followed into the car park, where he was threatened by Karakulah, who pointed an object at him. The next memory the victim reported was being struck in the head and rendered unconscious. Controversially, Karakulah himself phoned the police at 2:27am, explaining that he had pursued a man trying to steal a car, but the man was now “sleeping on the floor.”
Upon police arrival, the victim was found lying on the ground, unresponsive and making a snoring noise, indicating unconsciousness. Emergency services were summoned, and officers performed CPR while awaiting the arrival of paramedics. The man was transported to hospital, where it was determined he had sustained significant injuries, including a fractured jaw and nose, according to prosecutor Nuhu Gobir.
Investigations swiftly followed, with officers reviewing CCTV footage provided by staff at the kebab shop. The initial recordings showed the victim rummaging in the back of a Renault Clio and picking up an object that, according to subsequent evidence, belonged to the victim’s cousin. Further footage corroborated claims that Karakulah had approached the individual whilst holding a knife before delivering a single, forceful punch to the victim’s head. The blow knocked the man unconscious, after which Karakulah is seen passing the weapon to his cousin.
When first questioned by police, Karakulah claimed he had not physically touched the man. However, the visual evidence contradicted his statement. Confronted with the CCTV, he ultimately pleaded guilty to charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm and the possession of a bladed article. The court heard that Karakulah had only minor previous convictions, limited to motoring offences.
Offering mitigation, defence lawyer Des Jenson described Karakulah’s behaviour as “out of character” and explained that the events of the night were not premeditated. He emphasised the impact a custodial sentence would have on Karakulah’s family, revealing he is a father of two with another child on the way.
In his judgment, Judge Daniel Williams commented, “You should not have taken that knife to the scene.” He sentenced Karakulah to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, recognising both the seriousness of the offence and the defendant’s previously clean record for violent crime. In addition to the suspended sentence, Karakulah must complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and undertake 180 hours of unpaid work as part of his penalty.
This case highlights not only the dangers of vigilante action but also the severe consequences that can result after even a single moment of poor judgement. The episode serves as a reminder that taking the law into one’s own hands can lead to serious repercussions, regardless of the underlying motive or provocation.
Local residents have expressed mixed feelings following the sentencing, with some sympathising with Karakulah’s reaction to a perceived crime against his family, while others maintained that wielding a knife and inflicting serious injuries is never justified. South Wales Police have reiterated their position that any use of weapons even under duress will result in firm legal action.