Afghan Migrant Stands Trial for Alleged Rape of 12-Year-Old in Nuneaton
A 23-year-old Afghan migrant is currently on trial at Warwick Crown Court, accused of the abduction and rape of a 12-year-old girl on a summer evening last year. Ahmad Mulakhil faces multiple charges relating to the disturbing incident that occurred in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
Victim's Harrowing Testimony Revealed in Court
During proceedings, jurors were shown police bodycam footage capturing the moment officers responded to the distressed child. The girl described how she first encountered Mulakhil and his friend, Mohammad Kabir, 24, in a nearby park where she said Kabir made "sexual faces" towards her.
The young victim recounted: "They were asking my age, I said I was 12. They said they didn't care." She described how Kabir then attempted to strangle her, leaving her believing she would die from suffocation.
Detailed Account of the Alleged Attack
The court heard how the girl initially ran from the men but later encountered Mulakhil on a housing estate. According to her testimony, he instructed her to accompany him behind a shed-like structure where the sexual assault allegedly occurred on a grassy area.
In her statement, the victim revealed: "He tried to strip me during the sexual assault, which took place on an estate." She further described how Mulakhil allegedly laughed and took photographs during the attack.
Attempted Abduction and Taxi Plan
Perhaps most chilling was the girl's account of what followed the assault. She told officers: "He was about to get me in a taxi. He said he was going to get a taxi, he was going to get me in the taxi and take me to the train station, like to Birmingham or London."
Prosecutor Daniel Oscroft told the court that the pair had "targeted" the child, with Kabir allegedly attempting to take her away "for some sexual purpose."
Defendant's Background and Testimony
Giving evidence through a Dari interpreter, Mulakhil revealed he had arrived in the UK just four months before the alleged attack last July. He stated he had been "placed" in Nuneaton approximately one-and-a-half months prior to the incident and had submitted an immigration application "regarding the problems I have had in Afghanistan."
When questioned about his relationship with co-defendant Kabir, Mulakhil said they had known each other for "approximately ten to 15 days" but did not live together.
Controversial Defence Claims
Mulakhil made several controversial statements during his testimony. He told detectives he believed the girl was in her early twenties, despite her clearly stating she was twelve. Through his interpreter, he claimed that any kissing and sexual activity "was her desire that she wanted."
When asked if he understood that a twelve-year-old cannot legally consent to sex, the court heard Mulakhil respond: "It's understandable - no one will have sex with a 12-year-old."
Forensic Evidence Presented
The prosecution presented compelling forensic evidence, including:
- Mulakhil's DNA found on the victim
- Indecent images of both Mulakhil and the girl discovered on his mobile phone
- CCTV footage showing both defendants in a supermarket the day after the alleged attack
- Additional CCTV capturing the pair by a park following the incident
Current Charges and Trial Status
Ahmad Mulakhil, currently of no fixed address, has admitted one count of rape but denies:
- Two additional counts of rape
- Abducting a child
- Two counts of sexual assault
- Taking indecent photographs of a child
Mohammad Kabir, also of no fixed address, denies charges of strangulation and intent to commit a sexual offence. The trial continues at Warwick Crown Court as both defendants face serious allegations relating to the traumatic experience of a young girl in a Warwickshire community.
