Nuneaton, United Kingdom. A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the kidnapping and rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, four months after arriving in the United Kingdom.
Convictions and charges
Ahmad Mullahil was convicted of rape and two counts of sexual assault following a trial last month, according to Sky News. He had already pleaded guilty to a further charge of rape. A jury also found him guilty of kidnapping a minor and recording an indecent video of the girl.
CCTV evidence and asylum application
CCTV footage shown in court captured Mullahil approaching the child and asking for her age. The court heard he had applied for asylum four months before committing the offences.
Trial claims and prosecution response
During the trial, Mullahil said he believed the victim was 19 and alleged she initiated sexual contact in July. The prosecutor described his attempt to shift blame onto the child as “chilling” and “particularly repulsive.”
Victim testimony
The girl, whose identity is protected by law, told the court the man approached her in a Nuneaton park while she was playing on swings. She said she asked him to stop, but he laughed during the attack.
Sentencing remarks
In sentencing, the judge said the victim continues to suffer trauma and medical issues linked to the assault. The judge said the girl was particularly vulnerable due to her personal circumstances and has suffered significant and ongoing psychological harm, adding that Mullahil had “targeted” her.
The judge rejected the claim that the girl said she was 19 as “manifestly false,” stating CCTV showed Mullahil’s reaction was one of disbelief. The judge added that the jury’s verdict left no doubt Mullahil knew she was under 16.
Aftermath and reporting
The court heard that after the attack the girl was left alone in the park in the dark. The judge said she was upset and on constant alert, looking behind her and towards a wooded area to see if he was still there.
The victim reported the assault immediately and underwent medical examinations and police interviews. Because Mullahil contested the allegations, the child was also cross-examined in court.
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