Three Men Jailed 33 Years for Raping Teen Girl in Bristol 2026

Three men who raped a 17-year-old girl in Bristol before fleeing the UK in the back of a lorry have been jailed for a total of 33 years. Mehrab Safi, 21, Salman Habibkheil, 19, and Awal Ahmadzai, 19, along with a 17-year-old boy, plied the victim with alcohol and subjected her to a horrific ordeal at a house in the city. The case, heard at Bristol Crown Court, has shocked the local community and highlighted the dangers of online grooming and sexual exploitation.

The Attack and Convictions

The court heard that the victim had met Safi in Bristol during a Christmas shopping trip in November 2025—her first visit to the city from her home in Somerset. Immediately after they left, Safi began messaging the girl, telling her he loved her and asking for indecent images. Four days later, Safi, in collaboration with Habibkheil, arranged for her to be collected by a taxi and brought back to Bristol. She was taken to his house where she was raped over several hours by all four men.

Safi was found guilty of two counts of rape, and Habibkheil of one. Both were also convicted of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. Ahmadzai was found guilty of one count of rape and one of sexual assault. The 17-year-old was convicted of one count of rape. Safi was jailed for 15 years, while Habibkheil and Ahmadzai received nine years each. The 17-year-old was sentenced to two years and seven months in a youth detention centre.

Escape to France and Arrest

After the attack, the men fled the UK to France in the back of a lorry, sparking an international manhunt. The victim’s mother had reported her missing, and police launched an investigation that quickly identified the suspects. Working with French authorities, they were arrested and extradited back to the UK to face justice. The case underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling serious crime.

Impact on the Victim and Community

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has shown immense courage throughout the trial. In a statement read to the court, she described the lasting trauma of the attack and the betrayal she felt after being groomed by someone she thought she could trust. Local charities have emphasised the need for better education around consent and healthy relationships, as well as improved support for survivors of sexual violence.

Key Takeaways

• Three men and a 17-year-old boy were convicted of raping a teenage girl in Bristol.
• The attackers fled to France in a lorry but were extradited and brought to justice.
• Total jail sentences amount to 33 years, with the longest being 15 years.
• The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour.

Comparison of Sentences

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