Afghan Migrant Claims He Believed 12-Year-Old Rape Victim Was In Her 20s
An Afghan migrant standing trial for the abduction and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in the United Kingdom has made a shocking claim to police investigators. Ahmad Mulakhil told officers during interviews that he believed the child victim was actually in her early twenties, according to testimony presented at Warwick Crown Court.
Disturbing Details Emerge in Court Proceedings
The court heard that Mulakhil is accused of targeting the young girl before raping and sexually assaulting her in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, on July 22 of last year. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting the alleged attack occurred after Mulakhil's friend, Mohammad Kabir, who is also originally from Afghanistan, had initially approached the victim on a canal bridge and grabbed her around the neck.
During police interviews conducted on July 26 last year, Mulakhil made several statements through an interpreter that have raised serious questions about his understanding of consent and age recognition. The defendant claimed that kissing and sexual activity between him and the victim "was her desire that she wanted."
Defendant's Controversial Statements to Police
Mulakhil's responses to police questioning, read to jurors by Crown barrister Daniel Oscroft, revealed several concerning assertions:
- The defendant claimed the girl had "insisted" on sexual activity
- He stated this was his first sexual encounter with a girl
- Mulakhil asserted the activity did not involve force or threats
- He claimed the girl was following him "with her own consent"
When asked about the victim's age, Mulakhil told police the girl had informed his friend she was 19 years old. When questioned further about how old she appeared to him, he responded: "It could be 23-24 yeah. I didn't focus that much."
Allegations of Violence and Additional Charges
The prosecution's case includes disturbing allegations beyond the sexual assault claims. The young victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, alleges that Mulakhil laughed and ignored her pleas to stop during the attack on a grassed area.
Prosecutors further allege that Kabir strangled the girl with the intention of taking her away for sexual purposes. Both defendants face multiple serious charges:
Ahmad Mulakhil denies:
- Child abduction
- Two counts of rape
- Two counts of sexual assault
- Taking indecent photographs of a child
Mohammad Kabir denies:
- Intentional strangulation
- Committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence
- Attempting to take a child
Questions About Understanding of Consent Laws
The court proceedings revealed troubling gaps in Mulakhil's understanding of UK consent laws. He told police officers he believed the age of consent was 19-20 years old, significantly higher than the actual legal age of 16 in England and Wales.
When specifically asked if he understood that someone aged 12 cannot legally consent to sexual activity, Mulakhil responded: "It's understandable - no one will have sex with a 12-year-old." This statement has raised questions about his awareness of both the victim's actual age and the legal implications of his actions.
The defendant also cited language barriers as a factor, telling police: "Because of the language barrier we couldn't understand each other that much." However, prosecutors argue this does not excuse the alleged crimes against a child.
The trial continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies in this disturbing case that has highlighted serious questions about child protection, migrant understanding of local laws, and the vulnerabilities of young victims in society.
