Asylum seeker jailed for raping 12-year-old

A man who was in Nuneaton while his asylum claim was being processed has been jailed for raping a 12-year-old girl.

23-year-old Ahmad Mulakhil, an Afghan national, was sentenced to 15 years.

The rape, which took place near the town centre on 22 July 2025, caused shock and concern in the communities of Nuneaton. 

Following a trial at Warwick Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of one count of rape of a female child under 13, abducting a child, two counts of sexual assault and one count of taking indecent photos of a child. They also found him not guilty of one of the counts of rape of a child under 13.

Mulakhil had previously pleaded guilty to one count of rape of a child under 13 at an earlier court hearing.

On Friday 27th March, Mulakhil was sentenced to 15 years in prison and a further 12 months on licence. 

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.

Detective Chief Inspector Collette O’Keefe, who led the investigation, said: “When Mulakhil carried out this horrific attack on a young girl, not only did he commit the most serious of crimes he breached the fundamental values that hold our communities together.

“I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary courage of the victim. Her account allowed us to gather the evidence we needed to ensure Mulakhil was brought to justice.

“No sentence can undo the trauma of what she endured. But we hope today marks the beginning of her journey toward the bright, safe, and happy future she deserves.”

Every victim of sexual assault is afforded automatic lifelong anonymity.

We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and will conduct full and thorough investigations into any reports made.

If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, you can report this to us in confidence either via our website www.warwickshire.police.uk/ro/report or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency. 

Further support is also available from independent charities and services including Safeline who offer free, independent and confidential support services for anyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse.

All their services are externally accredited, specialist and tailored to the individual.