An Afghan migrant standing trial for the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl has firmly denied accusations that he deliberately circled the streets of Nuneaton to locate her after she spoke with his friend. Ahmad Mulakhil, aged 23 and of no fixed address, is facing serious charges including rape, sexual assault, child abduction, and taking indecent images of a child, stemming from an incident in July of last year.
Claims of Deception and Consent
During the second day of proceedings at Warwick Crown Court, Mulakhil addressed the jury through a Dari interpreter. He asserted that the young girl had explicitly told him she was 19 years old and had even asked his friend, Mohammad Kabir, to come to his residence. Mulakhil stated, "She told me she was 19 and she appeared to be in her early 20s." He further denied having any sexual interest in the girl following her conversation with Kabir in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
Footage and Testimony Under Scrutiny
Prosecutor Daniel Oscroft presented compelling evidence, including doorbell camera footage that captured Mulakhil asking the girl, "how old are you?" When questioned about whether he and Kabir had split up to search for her, Mulakhil responded, "No. We were in front of her." He insisted that from her appearance, she looked to be between 20 and 22 years old.
Extensive CCTV footage has been shown to the jury, depicting moments before and after the alleged offences. Mulakhil referenced this footage, arguing, "As you can see in the videos, we never chased or followed that girl." He described a scene near a grassy area where the admitted oral rape and other alleged sexual acts occurred, claiming, "As you study the video closely you can see that it is her, the girl, who is holding my hand. She is ahead of me and still holding my hand. She could easily have left me and walked away."
Admissions and Denials
Mulakhil has admitted to one count of oral rape but denies two additional counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, child abduction, and taking indecent images of a child. He told the court that he did not force the girl into any actions, did not threaten her family, and only filmed a brief period of sexual activity because she insisted upon it.
Regarding the allegation that he took the girl to a secluded spot for over an hour to exploit her, Mulakhil countered, "If it was what I wished, we would have gone to my friend's. I didn't do anything against the girl's wish. Both of us are sitting by the footpath. If she was forced to do anything she could have left." He added that he would not have been with her if he had known her true age.
Co-Defendant's Role and Messages
Fellow Afghan national Mohammad Kabir, aged 24, is also on trial, denying charges of intentional strangulation, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, and attempting to take a child. Mulakhil revealed that Kabir had sent him a message featuring angry face emojis after he informed Kabir that the girl was following him and would not leave him alone.
Legal Stance and Ongoing Proceedings
When asked if he understood that his actions were wrong, Mulakhil told the jury, "No, it's not the case. I have not done anything against the law." The trial continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies to determine the veracity of the claims made by both the prosecution and the defence.
