A man has been unanimously convicted of abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl in what authorities described as a "targeted" assault in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Ahmad Mulakhil, a 23-year-old Afghan national, was found guilty by jurors at Warwick Crown Court after a ten-day trial that concluded with over seven hours of deliberation across three days.
Details of the Horrific Attack
The court heard that Mulakhil laughed during the attack on the young victim last summer near a residential cul-de-sac. The girl reported this chilling detail to investigators, highlighting the predatory nature of the assault. Mulakhil was convicted of child abduction, rape, two counts of sexual assault, and taking an indecent video of the victim during her ordeal.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Prior to the trial, Mulakhil had already admitted to an additional rape charge. Judge Kristina Montgomery KC remanded him in custody pending sentencing on a date to be fixed. She indicated that he will receive a substantial custodial sentence, which will automatically make him liable for deportation upon its conclusion.
Judge Montgomery also commended the jury for their diligence, noting they discharged their duties without regard to external "noise" surrounding the proceedings. This case has drawn significant public attention due to the severity of the crimes and the victim's age.
Co-Defendant Acquitted of All Charges
Mohammad Kabir, a co-defendant and fellow asylum seeker from Afghanistan, was acquitted of all charges against him. Kabir, whose age was listed as 24 in court documents but who testified he is 22, faced allegations of intentional strangulation, attempted child abduction, and committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence.
He maintained throughout the trial that he never touched the victim and had no sexual intentions toward her. The jury ultimately cleared him of all accusations after considering the evidence presented over the course of the proceedings.
Background of the Convicted Offender
Jurors were informed that Mulakhil arrived in the United Kingdom just four months before committing the rapes. He had submitted an immigration application citing "problems" he experienced in Afghanistan, though details of these issues were not fully disclosed in court.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about violent crimes against children and the legal processes involved in prosecuting such offences. Authorities have emphasized the importance of thorough investigations and victim support in these sensitive matters.
