Accused of rape denies searching for girl on the streets

An Afghan man accused of repeatedly raping a 12-year-old girl has denied claims of searching for her on the streets. Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, testified at Warwick Crown Court, refuting allegations regarding his actions in Nuneaton. The trial continues as both defendants deny serious charges.

An Afghan man, who is facing accusations of repeatedly raping a 12-year-old girl, has denied claims that he searched the streets in an attempt to find her. The incident allegedly took place after the child was strangled on a bridge. Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, gave evidence for the second day at Warwick Crown Court on Wednesday, refuting allegations regarding his actions and intentions towards the girl in Nuneaton in July.

Defendant’s Testimony

During his testimony, Mulakhil stated that he had no sexual interest in the girl. He explained that his interaction with the child occurred after she had spoken to his friend, Mohammad Kabir. Mulakhil had previously admitted to committing oral rape but denied several other charges, including:

• Two counts of rape
• Two counts of sexual assault
• Child abduction
• Taking indecent images of a child

His co-defendant, Kabir, 24, has denied accusations that include intentional strangulation, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, and attempting to take a child.

Court Evidence and Statements

Throughout the trial, the court heard that Mulakhil did not force the girl into any sexual activity, nor did he threaten her family. However, he admitted to filming the girl during a brief period of sexual activity, claiming that the girl had insisted on it. Mulakhil, speaking through a Dari interpreter, told the jury that the girl had stated she was 19 and appeared to be in her early twenties.

Prosecutor Daniel Oscroft questioned Mulakhil about whether he and Kabir had separated in order to search for the girl. In response, Mulakhil denied this, stating: "No. We were in front of her." When asked if he recognized that the girl was underage, Mulakhil responded, "No. You can tell from her face that she looks 20-22 years old." He further clarified when asked if he had been circling around looking for the girl: "She went the opposite direction and I was taking a different direction. How come I was looking for her?"

CCTV Evidence

Mulakhil referred to CCTV footage that was presented to the jury, stating: "As you can see in the videos, we never chased or followed that girl." He also discussed an incident after the girl fled onto the bridge. According to Mulakhil, Kabir had informed him that the girl had asked about him and claimed that she was 19 and wanted to visit his home.

Trial Status

The trial is still ongoing at Warwick Crown Court. Both Mulakhil and Kabir continue to deny several serious charges. The court is in the process of reviewing various types of evidence, including extensive video footage and witness statements, before the case proceeds to closing arguments.

Follow the Case

Updates on the trial are being provided by BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, which can be followed across multiple platforms, including BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Sources:

• BBC News
• The Guardian
• Sky News
• Rape accused denies 'circling streets' for girl