The rapist sexually abused two young girls before fleeing to Spain

A depraved man who raped and sexually abused two girls before fleeing Britain to evade capture has been jailed. Altaf Khalifa subjected his two young victims to “appalling” sexual abuse in the Midlands.

Detectives found that much of the offending, which took place between January 2016 and August 2019, took place at an address in Beaumont Leys, Leicester. Both victims were aged between eight and 10 and between 13 and 15 at the time of the murders, Leicestershire Police said.

Officers began investigating the crime in November 2019 when the “appalling” abuse came to light, leading to Khalifa’s arrest. He denied any wrongdoing and was released.

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Khalifa refused to reveal any of his device passwords, but in July 2021 the 42-year-old was taken back into custody after digital forensics experts were able to use specialist software to bypass the encryption, Leicestershire Police said.

Analysis of his phone revealed indecent images of children and extreme pornography, Leicestershire Police said. At the time, while on bail, Khalifa fled the country, leading to a two-year international manhunt in which he was eventually tracked down to Malaga, Spain. He was extradited to the UK in September 2023.

Unfortunately, by that time, one of the girls had committed suicide, taking her own life in early 2020, two months after telling medical professionals what she had endured. Khalifa was found guilty of 11 offenses and sentenced to 24 years in prison at Leicester Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 25 July).

Constable Vanessa Murva, from Leicestershire Police, said: “Whilst I am pleased the defendant is now behind bars, it is deeply tragic that one of the girls is not here to see her abuser locked up for the immeasurable pain and suffering he has caused her. caused.

“It was her courage to speak out that first alerted us to Khalifa’s horrific crimes. Without the courage of both girls, he would have continued to offend and other girls would have become his victims.”

After the hearing at Leicester Crown Court, Detective Sergeant Kate Beel added: “All investigations involving child abuse are extremely challenging and distressing, but this case was particularly difficult following the devastating news that one of the victims had taken her life.

“Both girls have shown immense courage in coming forward and despite the extremely difficult situation, the surviving victim and families have remained involved and support the investigation. For more than two years, Khalifa tried to avoid being held accountable for the horrific crimes he committed. I am satisfied that the defendant is now behind bars and can no longer cause any further trauma or suffering.”

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