A 23-year-old Afghan asylum seeker has been convicted of a series of horrific sexual offences against a 12-year-old schoolgirl in a park area of Nuneaton. Ahmad Mulakhil was found guilty by jurors at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday, February 10, following a trial that revealed disturbing details of the attack.
Details of the Park Attack
The court heard how Mulakhil encountered the young victim while she was playing near Nuneaton town centre. In a chilling conversation, he commented that she appeared "small" and expressed disbelief that she could be an adult. Shortly after this exchange, he led her to a nearby patch of grass where he subjected her to a brutal rape.
Recording the Assault
During the assault, Mulakhil filmed both himself and the terrified child on his mobile phone, creating what prosecutors described as "indecent images" of the victim. After the attack concluded, he took the girl to a local shop before she managed to seize an opportunity to escape and alert authorities.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Detectives from Warwickshire Police launched an immediate investigation following the girl's report. Through diligent forensic work and witness interviews, they identified Mulakhil as the perpetrator and subsequently arrested him. The investigation revealed a pattern of predatory behaviour that shocked the local community.
Multiple Convictions
Mulakhil was convicted on multiple serious charges including:
- Two counts of rape of a female child under 13
- Abducting a child
- Two counts of sexual assault
- Taking indecent photographs of a child
The jury found him not guilty on one additional count of rape of a child under 13. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March, where he faces a substantial prison term for his crimes.
Second Defendant Cleared
A second man, 24-year-old Mohammad Kabir, was tried alongside Mulakhil but was found not guilty on all charges against him. These included intentional strangulation, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, and attempting to take a child. The jury determined there was insufficient evidence to connect him to the crimes.
Police Praise Victim's Courage
Following the conviction, Warwickshire Police issued a statement commending the young victim's bravery throughout the investigation and court proceedings. "The girl has shown immense courage throughout the investigation – assisting us as we gathered vital evidence and pursued the case through the courts," the statement read.
The police spokesperson continued: "We want to thank her for her courage and for having trust in us to bring the man responsible to justice." The case has highlighted the importance of victim support services in helping young people through traumatic legal processes.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The conviction has sparked discussions within the Nuneaton community about park safety and the protection of vulnerable young people. Local residents have expressed both relief that a dangerous offender has been removed from the community and concern about how such an attack could occur in a public space.
Community safety advocates are calling for increased patrols in park areas and better lighting in public spaces frequented by children. The case has also prompted conversations about the support systems available for young victims of serious sexual offences as they navigate the criminal justice system.
