Three Afghan nationals convicted of raping a teenage girl in Bristol filmed themselves laughing in the back of a lorry as they fled to France, believing they had escaped justice. Mehrab Safi, 21, recorded his two friends Awal Ahmadzai and Salman Habibkheil, both 19, three days after they sexually assaulted the 17-year-old at a house in Bristol.
Celebration Video as Evidence
Mobile phone clips retrieved from Safi's device showed the three defendants in the lorry's rear, with Habibkheil making hand signals towards the camera while laughing. “It is a direct insight into the mood of the three, we suggest, as they travel out of the UK and into France,” said Edd Hetherington, prosecuting. “The prosecution says Safi is the one who in the course of this journey takes his phone out and starts filming. We suggest they are celebrating because they think they have got away with it.”
French authorities discovered them shortly after their arrival in Calais and returned them to Britain, where they faced immediate arrest on suspicion of rape. The three men stood trial at Bristol Crown Court alongside a 17-year-old boy.
Convictions and Sentences
The defendants had denied all charges but were found guilty of multiple offences. Safi was convicted of one count of human trafficking and two charges of rape. Habibkheil was found guilty of one count of human trafficking and one charge of rape. Ahmadzai was convicted of one charge of rape and one of assault by penetration. The 17-year-old boy was found guilty of one charge of rape.
The horrific incident occurred just days after the girl met Safi while Christmas shopping with a friend in Bristol city centre. Safi manipulated her on Snapchat, even requesting explicit photos, before arranging a taxi to bring her to Bristol in the early hours of November 30. At the property, the girl was given cigarettes and vodka before being raped by both Safi and Habibkheil. After falling asleep, she was raped and sexually assaulted by Ahmadzai, followed by the 17-year-old boy. Later that morning, Safi raped her again.
Victim's Statement
Following the four attacks, she told police: “I just wanted to go home, I didn't feel safe, I just wanted to go home. I didn't like it. I just wanted to be at home.”
Safi, from St Werburghs, Bristol; Habibkheil, from Lockleaze, Bristol; and Ahmadzai, from Redcliffe, Bristol, were all taken into custody. The 17-year-old boy was granted conditional bail, including an overnight curfew, at an address outside the region.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Michael Cullum addressed the adults: “To each of the defendants who are adults, you will receive immediate custodial sentences.” Speaking to the young defendant, the judge said: “Although you are 17 years old, you must expect to receive an immediate custodial sentence. Your lawyers will ask me not to send you to custody and I will consider those arguments.”
Sentencing for all involved will take place on October 6.
