Ahmad Mulakhil is in prison on remand awaiting sentencing after being convicted of abducting and repeatedly raping a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton. The 23-year-old Afghan asylum seeker was found guilty on 10 February 2026 at Warwick Crown Court of two counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault, child abduction, and taking an indecent video of a child. The case caused widespread public concern and renewed political debate about the asylum system.
Who Is Ahmad Mulakhil?
Ahmad Mulakhil is a 23-year-old Afghan national who entered the United Kingdom as an asylum seeker. His asylum claim was being processed at the time of the offence. He had no prior known criminal history in the UK. The case became significant not only because of the gravity of the offence, but because of the political context surrounding small boat crossings and the asylum system — the attack triggered large-scale protests outside Nuneaton Town Hall in August 2025 and was referenced by politicians across the spectrum during debates about immigration and public safety.
What Happened in Nuneaton?
On 22 July 2025, Mulakhil targeted a 12-year-old girl who was playing on swings in Marlborough Park, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. He abducted her from the park and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults and rape. He also filmed the attack on his phone. The victim was found and reported the crime, leading to a police investigation and Mulakhil’s arrest. His co-defendant, Mohammad Kabir, 24, was charged with attempted abduction and intentional strangulation in connection with the same events but was acquitted of all charges at trial.
Arrest and Charges
Ahmad Mulakhil was arrested following the July 2025 attack and charged with two counts of rape of a female child under 13, two counts of sexual assault, child abduction, and taking an indecent video of a child. The charges carried significant sentences given the age of the victim and the planned nature of the offending. He was remanded in custody following his arrest and has remained in prison throughout the proceedings. For information on what remand means and how it works, see our guide to the UK prison system.
The Trial and Verdict
Mulakhil stood trial at Warwick Crown Court. On 10 February 2026, following seven hours of deliberation, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all six charges he faced: two counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault, child abduction, and taking an indecent video of a child. The judge, Kristina Montgomery KC, remanded him in custody and confirmed that he would “plainly receive a substantial custodial sentence” that would automatically make him liable for deportation at its conclusion.
Mulakhil’s co-defendant Mohammad Kabir, 24, was acquitted of all charges including intentional strangulation and attempted abduction. This acquittal attracted significant public comment, though jurors are not required to explain their verdicts.
Sentencing and What Happens Next
As of the time of writing, Mulakhil’s formal sentencing hearing was scheduled for March 2026. For offences of rape of a child under 13, the Sentencing Guidelines indicate a starting point of 13 years custody for a first offence of Category 1 (the most serious). Given the multiple counts, the child abduction, the filming, and the premeditated nature of the targeting, legal observers expect Mulakhil to receive a lengthy determinate sentence, likely in excess of 15–20 years. The judge indicated at trial that the sentence would be substantial.
At the conclusion of his sentence, Mulakhil will be automatically considered for deportation to Afghanistan under UK immigration law. The Home Office has indicated that foreign nationals convicted of serious sexual offences face deportation proceedings on release. Understanding how prison procedures work for remand prisoners is explained in our dedicated guides, including how to arrange visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ahmad Mulakhil in prison?
Ahmad Mulakhil is in prison because he was convicted on 10 February 2026 of abducting and repeatedly raping a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton. He was found guilty of two counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault, child abduction, and taking an indecent video of a child.
Has Ahmad Mulakhil been sentenced?
As of early March 2026, Ahmad Mulakhil had been convicted but his formal sentencing hearing was scheduled for March 2026. He has been remanded in custody since his arrest. Given the nature and number of offences, he is expected to receive a lengthy custodial sentence.
What sentence will Ahmad Mulakhil receive?
The exact sentence had not been handed down as of the time of writing. For rape of a child under 13, the Sentencing Guidelines indicate a starting point of 13 years for a first offence. Given multiple counts, child abduction, and the filming of the attack, legal observers expect the sentence to be substantially longer, likely in excess of 15 to 20 years.
Will Ahmad Mulakhil be deported?
Yes. The judge confirmed at trial that the custodial sentence Mulakhil receives will automatically trigger deportation proceedings under UK immigration law. Foreign nationals convicted of serious offences and sentenced to 12 months or more are subject to automatic deportation at the conclusion of their sentence, subject to any human rights appeals.
Where did the attack take place?
The attack on the 12-year-old victim took place in and around Marlborough Park in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, on 22 July 2025. Mulakhil targeted the girl while she was playing on swings in the park before abducting and assaulting her.
