UK Court Sentences Afghan Refugee to 15 Years for Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl
LONDON (Afghan Verified) -- An Afghan refugee identified as Ahmad Malakhel was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a UK court for raping a 12-year-old girl.
The incident occurred on July 22, 2025, four months after Malakhel's arrival in the United Kingdom. He took the girl from a park to a secluded alley, where the assault took place, according to court records.
Malakhel was identified through CCTV footage and a Home Office benefit card. The footage showed him buying Red Bull for the victim after the assault. The girl escaped following the shop incident.
During the trial, Malakhel denied kidnapping the girl and claimed the encounter was consensual, stating he believed she was 19 years old. The victim's testimony contributed to his conviction.
In addition to the 15-year sentence, the court imposed an indefinite restraining order preventing contact with the victim and added 12 months imprisonment for related crimes.
Senior Detective Inspector Collet O'Keefe praised the victim's courage in providing a recorded statement that described the assault. "The victim's bravery in coming forward and giving evidence cannot be underestimated," O'Keefe said.
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