A man has admitted to the rape of a 12-year-old girl in a case that triggered a series of heated anti-asylum protests in the Warwickshire town of Nuneaton.
Courtroom Admission and Charges
Ahmad Mulakhil, a 23-year-old Afghan national with no fixed address, changed his plea to guilty at Warwick Crown Court on Friday. He admitted to a single charge of oral rape of a child under 13, relating to the incident which occurred on 22 July.
This marked a significant shift from a hearing on 28 August, where Mulakhil had previously denied a series of charges, including abducting a child, three counts of rape, and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.
His co-defendant, Mohammad Kabir, also 23 and of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty at the August hearing to charges of attempting to take a child, aiding and abetting the rape of a child under 13, and the intentional strangulation of the girl. Both men were assisted by interpreters during proceedings.
Community Outrage and Protests
The case provoked strong reactions within the local community, leading to a demonstration in Nuneaton during August. Protesters marched along the town's high street, many holding St George's Cross and Union Jack flags.
The protest took a more extreme turn, however, as a small number of individuals were seen wearing clothing that displayed Nazi imagery. Speakers at the event made inflammatory statements, claiming 'England is doomed' and calling for the far-right to unite.
A counter-protest was also present, organised by Stand Up To Racism, with attendees holding banners that read 'Stop the far right'.
Political Fallout and Policy Change
The incident ignited a political debate concerning transparency around the immigration status of individuals charged with crimes. George Finch, the Warwickshire County Council leader who represents Reform UK, publicly accused the police of a 'cover-up' regarding the men's status, asserting they were both asylum seekers.
In response, the Warwickshire police chief constable denied any cover-up, stating that officers were adhering to existing national guidance. This guidance was subsequently revised by the College of Policing.
The new advice, supported by then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, now encourages police forces to release the race and nationality of those charged in high-profile or sensitive cases.
Judge Kristina Montgomery KC has remanded both Mulakhil and Kabir in custody. A further hearing is scheduled for 12 December, with a trial set to begin on 26 January.
