A man has admitted to the rape of a 12-year-old girl in a case that triggered significant public demonstrations and political controversy in the West Midlands town of Nuneaton.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, changed his plea to guilty at Warwick Crown Court on Friday, admitting to a single charge of rape of a child under 13. The Afghan national, who appeared with the assistance of a Farsi interpreter, confessed to the oral rape that occurred on 22nd July.
Mulakhil had previously denied multiple charges including child abduction, three counts of rape, and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 during a hearing on 28th August.
Co-defendant Mohammad Kabir, 23, maintains his not guilty plea to charges of attempting to take a child, aiding and abetting rape of a child under 13, and intentional strangulation. Kabir was assisted by a Pashto interpreter during proceedings.
Community Reaction and Protests
The case provoked strong reactions within the local community, leading to protests in Nuneaton during August. Demonstrators marched along the town's high street carrying St George's Cross and Union Jack flags, while a small number displayed clothing featuring Nazi imagery.
Speakers at the protest made inflammatory statements including 'England is doomed' and calls for far-right unity. Meanwhile, counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism gathered with banners reading 'Stop the far right'.
Political Fallout and Policy Changes
The case became politically charged when Warwickshire county council leader George Finch, who represents Reform UK, accused police of a 'cover up' regarding the defendants' immigration status, claiming both men were asylum seekers.
Warwickshire Police Chief Constable denied any cover-up, stating officers were following national guidance. This guidance has since been revised by the College of Policing, with new advice encouraging forces to release the race and nationality of those charged in high-profile cases, following support from then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Judge Kristina Montgomery KC has remanded both men in custody ahead of a hearing on 12th December and a trial scheduled for 26th January.
