The trial of three Afghan nationals and a 17-year-old boy concluded with guilty verdicts on charges of rape and human trafficking. The defendants were found guilty of a string of sexual offences against a 17-year-old girl in November 2023.
The girl met Safi while Christmas shopping with a friend in Bristol city centre. Safi then groomed her on Snapchat, asking for nude photos and arranging a taxi to bring her to his property in the early hours of November 30.
The girl was provided with cigarettes and vodka before being raped by Safi and Habibkheil. She was then raped and sexually assaulted by Ahmadzai and the 17-year-old boy. The attack continued with Safi raping the girl again later that morning.
The victim told police she wanted to leave the house after the attacks, feeling unsafe and wanting to return home.
The three men, Safi, Habibkheil, and Ahmadzai, were remanded into custody, while the 17-year-old boy was released on conditional bail with an overnight curfew.
The defendants will be sentenced on October 6, with the judge indicating immediate custodial sentences for the adults and considering arguments for the 17-year-old boy.
French authorities discovered the men soon after they fled the UK, and they were returned to the country where they were arrested on suspicion of rape.
The prosecution suggested that the men were celebrating their escape as they laughed and joked while fleeing the UK in a lorry.
