Afghan Immigrant Charged With Sexual Assault In UK

An Afghan immigrant, Gulahmad Oryakhail, has been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Littlehampton, UK. The incident occurred while the girl was walking her dog, leading to Oryakhail’s arrest and subsequent court appearance.

Key Takeaways

• Gulahmad Oryakhail, 21, charged with sexual assault and stalking.
• Incident took place on October 25, 2024, near Harbour Park Amusements.
• Oryakhail claims the girl consented to the contact.
• He has been in the UK for a year under the Armed Forces resettlement scheme.

Incident Details

The alleged assault occurred on October 25, 2024, when Oryakhail reportedly approached the girl as she walked her dog. According to court documents, he is accused of forcing his hands under her bra and between her legs. The prosecutor, Mr Jeremy King, stated that Oryakhail repeatedly kissed the girl on the lips and neck while making sexual advances and attempting to drag her to a more secluded area.

Following the incident, Oryakhail is said to have bombarded the victim with phone messages over the next two days, prompting her family to alert the police. He was arrested near the girl’s home, where her family was described as ‘angry and agitated’ upon the police’s arrival.

Court Proceedings

Oryakhail appeared in custody at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded to Lewes Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for November 26, 2024. The magistrates agreed to keep him in custody, citing concerns that he posed a risk to vulnerable young people in the area.

Background Information

Gulahmad Oryakhail, who has been in the UK for approximately twelve months, arrived under the Armed Forces resettlement scheme after fleeing Afghanistan due to the Taliban’s resurgence. He lives with his parents and works part-time at a local Wimpy bar. His residency in the UK was facilitated by his brother, who assisted British Armed Forces, allowing their family to settle in the country.

In 2021, the UK government established the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy, granting permanent residency to Afghan citizens who served with or assisted British Armed Forces. This policy also allows for the inclusion of family members in residency applications.

Oryakhail’s Defence

Oryakhail has denied the charges, claiming that the girl informed him she was 18 years old and consented to the sexual contact. He also stated that she voluntarily provided him with her phone number. The case has raised significant public interest, particularly regarding the safety of young people and the implications of immigration policies in the UK.

As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains on alert, reflecting broader concerns about the integration of immigrants and the protection of vulnerable individuals in society.

Sources

• Afghan immigrant who fled to UK after Taliban came to power charged with sexually assaulting 14-year-old girl as she walked her dog | Daily Mail Online, Daily Mail.