Talha Ahmadzai, 33, who had been living in Haverfordwest after arriving in the UK from Afghanistan, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (March 16) after admitting a string of serious crimes committed in February last year.
The offences involved three victims — a woman, a young girl and a boy.
Ahmadzai pleaded guilty to multiple charges including three counts of rape, rape of a child under 13, attempted rape of a child under 13, causing a child to watch a sexual act, assault by beating and cruelty to a person under 16.
He was handed an extended sentence totalling 21 years and seven months, including 19 years and seven months in custody followed by a further two years on licence.
The court heard he must serve at least two-thirds of his prison term before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.
An indefinite restraining order was also imposed, banning him from ever contacting his victims again.
‘Catalogue of abhorrent offending’
Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees described Ahmadzai’s crimes as a “catalogue of abhorrent offending of the utmost seriousness”.
Prosecutors told the court the attacks came to light after the adult victim reported what had happened, prompting a police investigation.
During interviews, Ahmadzai initially denied the allegations and claimed the sex had been consensual.
But the court heard he later made deeply troubling remarks to officers, reportedly stating that “women won’t have sex without force”.
He also questioned the authority of UK courts, suggesting the acts he had committed “were not offences” in his home country.
‘Sexually preoccupied’ and high risk
The court heard Ahmadzai had been “sexually preoccupied for a long time” and held “entrenched views”, with a pre-sentence report concluding he poses a high risk to the public.
Evidence presented suggested he had previously suffered serious mental health issues and had been hospitalised before the offences, with his defence saying his behaviour followed a psychotic episode.
Defence barrister David Singh told the court his client had no previous convictions and had since received treatment.
However, Judge Rees said there was effectively no mitigation for the seriousness of the crimes.
Police praise victims’ bravery
Detective Inspector Sarah Totterdale, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said the sentence reflected the severity of Ahmadzai’s actions.
She said: “Ahmadzai is clearly an incredibly dangerous and cruel individual, and the sentence he has received reflects this.
“I would like to commend the bravery and dignity shown by his victims, who courageously gave their evidence of their horrendous ordeals.
“To do so and relive their experience must have been incredibly traumatic.”
She added that thanks to the victims’ evidence and the work of detectives, Ahmadzai is now “no longer a danger to the public”.
Deportation to be considered
The court heard Ahmadzai may face deportation once he has served his sentence.
Judge Rees said the case would be referred to the Home Office to consider his removal from the UK.
Dyfed-Powys Police said support is available for anyone affected by sexual violence and urged victims to come forward and report offences.
