Ahmad Mulakhil, a 23-year-old Afghan national, was sentenced on Friday to 15 years in prison for raping a 12-year-old girl in the UK last summer.
Rape and Initial Response
Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl in the United Kingdom. The incident occurred during the summer of last year.
The case sparked local protests and political debate when police initially did not disclose the perpetrator’s status as an asylum seeker.
Details of the Crime
The man kidnapped the 12-year-old girl, raped her, and recorded the act. The presiding judge emphasized that the victim suffered “psychological harm” and continues to struggle with health problems as a result of the attack.
Second Suspect and Victim Testimony
A second Afghan national was also accused of the rape. The victim testified during the trial that both accused men approached her in a park.
She added that Mulakhil was laughing during the assault.
Judge’s Remarks on Knowledge of Victim’s Age
The judge stated: “The recording from the surveillance camera captured a conversation between you, during which you asked the victim for her age. She said she was 19, which was an obvious lie. Your reaction was full of disbelief, leaving no doubt that you knew she was under 16.”
Sentencing and Potential Deportation
The man was sentenced to 15 years in prison, which also carries the possibility of deportation. The judge stated, “No sentence will undo the trauma she has experienced. However, we hope that today will be the beginning of her path to a bright, safe, and happy future that she deserves.”