Afghan national admits raping 12-year-old girl

Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, changed his plea and admitted raping the girl in Nuneaton, Warwickshire

An Afghan national has admitted raping a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton.

Ahmad Mulakhil pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to one count of raping a child under the age of 13. He had previously denied the charge.

Mulakhil, 23 and of no fixed abode, also denied abducting a child, three counts of rape of a child under 13 and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

He appeared alongside co-defendant Mohammad Kabir, 23, also of no fixed abode, and who denies attempting to take a child, aiding and abetting rape of a child under 13, and intentional strangulation of the girl. They are due to stand trial on 26 January.

The defendants, who Warwickshire Police previously confirmed were Afghan nationals, were aided by interpreters during the hearing in front of Judge Kristina Montgomery KC.

The offences are said to have taken place on 22 July.

Mr Kabir spoke only to confirm his name, while Mulakhil confirmed his name and entered his guilty plea when he was rearraigned on one count of rape.

Addressing the defendants in the dock, Judge Montgomery said: "You will both be produced before the court on December 12.

"On that occasion, there will be further directions made and the complainant witness in the case will be in attendance to be cross-examined.

"You should both reflect carefully on your position before that takes place.

"You are both remanded into custody."

Mulakhil and Mr Kabir were asked to reflect carefully on their position before their next court appearance

The allegations against the two men led to protests outside Nuneaton Town Hall on 9 August when St George's Cross and Union flags were held as protesters marched along the high street and chanted "stop the boats" and "we want our country back".

Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters were significantly outnumbered outside the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council offices.