Ahmad Mulakhil, a 23-year-old Afghan national, has pleaded guilty to raping a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton. This admission came during a hearing at Warwick Crown Court on Friday, where he appeared alongside co-defendant Mohammad Kabir, also 23. Mulakhil changed his plea from not guilty to guilty for one count of raping a child under the age of 13, an incident that occurred on July 22.

Previously, Mulakhil had denied multiple charges, including abducting a child, three counts of rape of a child under 13, and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. Kabir, who also has no fixed abode, denied charges related to attempting to take a child, aiding and abetting the rape of a child under 13, and intentionally strangling the girl.

Both defendants, confirmed to be Afghan nationals by Warwickshire Police, required interpreters during the court proceedings. Kabir spoke only to confirm his name, while Mulakhil acknowledged his name and entered his guilty plea when rearraigned on the rape charge.

The case has sparked significant public unrest, leading to protests outside Nuneaton’s Town Hall on August 9. Demonstrators waved St George’s Cross and Union flags, chanting slogans such as “Stop the boats” and “We want our country back.” In contrast, counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism, who held placards reading “stop the far-right,” were significantly outnumbered.

Judge Kristina Montgomery KC addressed the defendants, stating, “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.” Both men have been remanded into custody and are expected to face trial on January 26.