A Syrian national has appeared in court accused of raping a schoolgirl and sexually assaulting a second teenager at a hotel in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Ahmad Hania, 27, of King Edward Road, Nuneaton, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and six counts of sexual assault during a hearing at Warwick Crown Court on Thursday, September 24.
The charges relate to an incident in August this year, when Warwickshire Police were called to a hotel in Kenilworth following reports that two girls, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had been sexually assaulted. The indictment alleges that Hania kissed and sexually touched both alleged victims without their consent, and committed an offence of rape against one of them, a 15-year-old.
Court hearing and bail
During the hearing, Hania was assisted by an Arabic interpreter as he entered his pleas. His bail was extended by Judge Tom Rochford, who set a trial date of August 1, 2028, with proceedings expected to last five days.
The judge warned Hania: “There are likely to be hearings before then which you must attend. You will have the right to give evidence at your trial. You will continue bail on the same conditions as before.”
Details of the allegations
The alleged offences took place at a hotel in Kenilworth, a town in Warwickshire known for its historic castle and tourism. Police were called to the venue after reports that two girls had been sexually assaulted. The victims are protected by anonymity, meaning their identities cannot be disclosed.
Hania faces a total of seven charges: one count of rape and six counts of sexual assault. All charges relate to the same date in August, according to the court.
Next steps
The defendant remains on bail under the same conditions as before, pending further hearings before the trial. The case is scheduled to be heard at Warwick Crown Court, with the trial expected to begin on August 1, 2028. Hania denies all charges, and the court will hear the evidence at trial.
