An Afghan national, Ahmad Mulakhil, admitted raping a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, England, and pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to one count of raping a girl under 13 after initially denying the charge.
He appeared in court alongside co-accused Mohammad Kabir, who denied attempting to kidnap a child, being an accessory to the rape of a child under 13 and intentionally strangling. Both men will be tried on January 26.
Warwickshire Police previously confirmed that the accused are Afghan nationals. They were assisted by interpreters during the hearing before Judge Kristina Montgomery KC. The alleged crimes took place on July 22.
Kabir spoke only to confirm his name, while Mulakhil confirmed his name and pleaded guilty when he was charged again with a rape charge.
Addressing both men, Judge Montgomery said: “You will both appear in court on December 12.
“On that occasion, further instructions will be given and the complaining witness in the case will attend for cross-examination. They should both carefully reflect on their position before that happens. They are both in custody.”
The allegations sparked anti-immigration protests outside Nuneaton Town Hall on August 9, where protesters held St George’s Cross and Union flags and chanted “stop the boats” and “we want our country back”.
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Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters were present but were significantly outnumbered outside Nuneaton and Bedworth Council offices.
Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch previously accused police and the Home Office of covering up the men’s immigration status. Reform Party leader Nigel Farage also urged Warwickshire Police to reveal the information.
The allegation prompted Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe to request an urgent update from then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on what details police should share with the public in cases of this nature.
(BBC)
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