Ahmad Mulakhil, a 23-year-old Afghan national, was found guilty by jurors at Warwick Crown Court for the abduction and rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The court heard that Mulakhil's attack was premeditated and he reportedly laughed during the assault. In addition to rape, he was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and child abduction, and had previously admitted to another charge of rape prior to the trial.

The trial included testimony that Mulakhil had arrived in the UK only four months before the crimes were committed. His co-defendant, Mohammad Kabir, who was also an Afghan asylum seeker, faced charges related to child abduction and sexual offences but was acquitted. Kabir denied any involvement with the victim, stating he never intended any harm and was not present during the attack, which the jury accepted.

The verdicts come during a time of heightened concern regarding the safety of children and the prosecution of sexual offences in the UK, especially involving asylum seekers. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in addressing such crimes while managing complex immigration issues. Mulakhil's conviction is likely to spark discussions about safety, justice for victims, and the protection of vulnerable populations in society.