Jurors have been formally sworn in for the trial of two men accused of committing serious offences against a 12-year-old schoolgirl in the Midlands. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, centres on alleged events that took place in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, during the summer of 2025.
Defendants Deny Multiple Charges
The two defendants, Ahmad Mulakhil, aged 23, and Mohammad Kabir, aged 24, both of no fixed abode, appeared at Warwick Crown Court in Leamington Spa on Wednesday, January 28. They have entered not guilty pleas to a series of charges relating to the alleged attack on the young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Ahmad Mulakhil denies the charges of child abduction, two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and taking indecent photographs of a child. Mohammad Kabir denies intentional strangulation, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, and attempting to take a child contrary to the 1984 Child Abduction Act.
Court Proceedings and Judicial Guidance
The jury selection process saw both defendants assisted by interpreters as the panel of seven men and five women took their oaths. All alleged offences are said to have occurred on a single date, July 22, 2025. The prosecution case is expected to be opened by Prosecutor Daniel Oscroft on Thursday, January 30.
Presiding over the case, Judge Kristina Montgomery KC addressed the newly sworn jury, emphasising the critical importance of fairness and impartiality throughout the trial. She specifically cautioned jurors against allowing public interest or emotional responses to influence their judgment, particularly given the sensitive nature of the allegations involving a child and sexual assault.
"Cases involving allegations of sexual assault and cases involving children attract a good deal of interest in the public and they quite often excite emotional responses," Judge Montgomery stated. "I have already told you that you are to guard against allowing that to affect your judgment in the case."
The trial at Warwick Crown Court marks a significant step in the legal process, with the community and wider public awaiting the outcome as proceedings continue to unfold.
