A teenage girl was allegedly raped by four men in a house in Bristol after being lured from her home in Somerset, a court has heard.
The four men, all Afghan nationals, reportedly gave the girl vodka and cigarettes before the assaults took place. Police were alerted following a call from the girl’s mother, which led to an ongoing investigation.
At Bristol Crown Court, chilling evidence was revealed about the case. The girl first met Mehrab Safi, 21, while Christmas shopping. Safi reportedly gained her trust, asked for nude photos, and arranged for a taxi to collect her two days later.
She was picked up from an industrial location where Safi and Salman Habibkheil, 19, were waiting before they took her to a property in St Werburghs, Bristol.
Prosecutor Ed Hetherington told jurors that the girl was given cigarettes and vodka to “secure her compliance” before being raped by Safi. The other three men – Habibkheil, Awal Ahmadzai, 19, and a 16-year-old boy – allegedly took turns isolating and sexually assaulting her in a bedroom.
The victim was described as being alone and trapped in an unfamiliar city late at night.
The defendants deny the charges. Safi denies human trafficking and two counts of rape. Habibkheil denies human trafficking and one count of rape. Ahmadzai denies rape and assault by penetration. The 16-year-old denies one count of rape.
The trial is ongoing and is expected to last up to three weeks.
The assaults came to light after the girl’s mother contacted police, prompting swift action by officers. The court continues to hear evidence as the proceedings advance.
Originally published by UKNIP.
