SOCIETY — March 27, 2026
UK Court Sentences Afghan Refugee to 15 Years for Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl
A UK court sentenced Afghan refugee Ahmad Malakhel to 15 years in prison for raping a 12-year-old girl four months after his arrival in the country. The conviction relied on CCTV footage, a Home Office benefit card, and the victim's testimony.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — corroborated by Khaama Press — 2 min read
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.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Corroborated by two outlets (Afghanistan International, Khaama Press) reporting the court sentencing with consistent details including CCTV evidence, Home Office card, and incident date.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Ahmad Malakhel is an Afghan refugee convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in the UK
- Incident details include park abduction, alley assault, shop escape via CCTV/benefit card evidence
- Court sentencing includes prison term, restraining order, and additional imprisonment
- Named official Collet O'Keefe provided on-record statements
- Victim provided recorded statement describing the assault
Filed by 2 outlets
Afghanistan International
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
Society — Ahmad Malakhel, United Kingdom, Afghan refugee, child rape, prison sentence
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