Afghani Asylum Seeker Jailed for Raping Teen in Elgin Park
An Afghani asylum seeker has been locked up for nine years after raping a 17-year-old girl in Cooper Park, Elgin, Moray. Rapualla Ahmadze attacked the teenager last August, sparking a high-profile trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Predatory Assault on Vulnerable Teen in Elgin
Ahmadze denied the rape, insisting the sex was consensual. But a jury wasn’t buying it and found him guilty. Judge Thomas Welsh KC branded the attack “shocking and violent,” taking place on rough terrain. Ahmadze approached the girl, made intimidating comments, then launched the brutal assault.
The court heard there was some debate over Ahmadze’s age, but he was believed to be about 20 when the crime happened.
Hefty Jail Term and Lifetime Sex Offender Registration
Ahmadze was convicted not just of rape but also threatening or abusive behaviour. Judge Welsh told him:
“You acted in a predatory manner and took advantage of a vulnerable teenager who was unknown to you. What happened to her that night must have been a horrific ordeal.”
The nine-year sentence is backdated to August 2022. Ahmadze will remain on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring he faces strict monitoring upon release.
