An Afghan asylum seeker has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for kidnapping, raping, and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, displayed a callous demeanor during the disturbing incident that occurred in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, according to the victim.
Mulakhil had previously been found guilty of rape, two counts of sexual assault, child abduction, and taking an indecent video of the girl in a residential area. The court also heard that he admitted to a second rape charge before the trial commenced.
During the sentencing at Warwick Crown Court, Judge Kristina Montgomery KC noted that the victim continues to suffer psychological and medical repercussions from Mulakhil’s actions. She emphasized the victim’s vulnerability and the significant harm caused by the assault.
The judge pointed out that Mulakhil deliberately targeted the victim, leaving her distressed after the attack. The victim recounted the assault immediately after the incident and underwent medical examination, police questioning, and court cross-examination.
Mulakhil was sentenced to 15 years in prison with an additional 12 months on license. He showed no emotion during the hearing, listening attentively to the proceedings with the help of an interpreter.
In his defense, Mulakhil’s lawyer, Marcus Harry, explained that the defendant had fled Afghanistan and sought asylum in the UK due to threats from the Taliban. Mulakhil claimed he believed the girl was 19 and that she initiated the encounter.
Mulakhil was tried alongside Mohammad Kabir, also an Afghan asylum seeker, who was acquitted of related charges. The victim, whose identity is protected, testified that she was approached by both defendants in a park after playing on swings.