Afghan men jailed for raping girl

Afghan Men Jailed for Rape of Teenage Girl

Three men and a 17-year-old boy originally from Afghanistan have been sentenced to a combined total of 36 years in prison for their roles in the rape of a teenage girl in Bristol. The defendants, who included Mehrab Safi, Awal Ahmadzai, Salman Habibkheil, and a 17-year-old boy, were found guilty of various offenses, including rape and human trafficking. The victim, who was 17 years old at the time of the attack, was groomed and lured to a house in Bristol, where she was subjected to a prolonged and violent assault. According to Judge Michael Cullum, the defendants met the victim while she was Christmas shopping with a friend in Bristol city centre on November 25. Safi obtained the girl's phone number and began an "intense exchange" of messages, asking for nude images of her and eventually arranging for her to be brought to Bristol. The defendants then plied the victim with alcohol and cigarettes, which had the effect of "grooming her and trapping her, though not physically". The victim was "plied with drink until very significantly affected", with the defendants getting her drunk to increase her vulnerability and the prospect she "would not or could not resist". Being raped by multiple men, one after another, left her "broken beyond resistance", as stated by Judge Cullum. The defendants were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court, with Judge Michael Cullum jailing Safi for 15 years, Habibkheil for nine years, and Ahmadzai for nine years. The 17-year-old defendant was sentenced to three years in detention.

Sentencing and Reaction

The sentencing hearing was attended by the victim and her family, who read out a statement describing the impact of the attack on their lives. The victim said she had been left feeling "broken" and that the attack had affected her ability to trust others and pursue her dreams. She stated, "When I think back to who I was a year ago, I can say that I am a different person to who I was before this all happened. I had a lot more friends, I would go out a lot more, I was happier – now I stopped going out, I don’t even leave the house in general." Her mother described the attack as having a profound impact on their lives. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Cable, the senior investigating officer, said that the attack was "significant" and that the defendants had shown "no regard" for the victim's welfare. Georgina Broom of the Crown Prosecution Service said that the case was a "clear example" of the importance of reporting sexual offenses to the police.

Defendant	Sentence
Mehrab Safi	15 years
Awal Ahmadzai	9 years
Salman Habibkheil	9 years
17-year-old boy	3 years

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation into the attack was led by Avon and Somerset Police, who worked with the Crown Prosecution Service to bring the defendants to justice. The defendants were arrested after fleeing to France, where they were picked up by French authorities and returned to the UK. The police and CPS praised the victim for her bravery in coming forward and reporting the attack. The victim continues to be supported by a specially trained officer and support will continue to be available for as long as it is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the victim?

The victim, a 17-year-old girl, was groomed and lured to a house in Bristol, where she was subjected to a prolonged and violent assault by four defendants.

What were the defendants sentenced to?

The defendants were sentenced to a combined total of 36 years in prison, with Mehrab Safi receiving 15 years, Awal Ahmadzai and Salman Habibkheil each receiving 9 years, and the 17-year-old boy receiving 3 years.

How did the investigation unfold?

The investigation was led by Avon and Somerset Police, who worked with the Crown Prosecution Service to bring the defendants to justice. The defendants were arrested after fleeing to France, where they were picked up by French authorities and returned to the UK.

The case highlights the importance of reporting sexual offenses to the police and the need for support and counseling for victims of such crimes. The victim and her family will continue to receive support as they work to rebuild their lives after the traumatic events of the past year.