Former London Imam, Abdul Khan Jailed For Life Over Serial S£xual Abuses Of Women, Girls

 

Former London Imam, Abdul Khan Jailed For Life Over Serial Sexual Abuses Of Women, Girls

The court heard that Khan targeted seven women and girls while working as an imam at a mosque in east London, using his position of trust to gain access to them and exert control.

A former Imam has been jailed for life after a court heard he sexually abused women and girls over more than 10 years while exploiting his position as a religious leader in east London.

Abdul Halim Khan, 54, of Old Ford Road, Tower Hamlets, was sentenced on Friday at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London and ordered to serve a minimum term of 20 years, according to GBI.

He was found guilty on February 13 of 21 offences, including nine counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, five counts of rape of a child under 13, and one count of assault by penetration.

The court heard that Khan targeted seven women and girls while working as an imam at a mosque in east London, using his position of trust to gain access to them and exert control.

He arranged meetings in secluded places and sometimes in victims’ homes, where he carried out sexual abuse while claiming he was a jinn (a supernatural spirit).

Prosecutors said he also used threats linked to “black magic” to frighten victims into silence, making them believe harm would come to them or their families if they reported him.

Police said the abuse came to light in February 2018 after his youngest victim disclosed what had happened to a teacher at school, prompting a wider investigation.

Officers went on to interview more than 50 witnesses and examine 10 mobile phones as part of the case.

Following sentencing, one survivor said: “Taking the difficult step to come forward and speak about the abuse and trauma I suffered has been painful and one of the hardest things I have ever done.

The disgraced imam was sentenced in Snaresbrook Crown Court today.”Coming forward felt like revisiting painful memories and emotions I had suppressed for years.

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“After eight long years, I am relieved that justice has been served. But even with this outcome, the trauma does not simply disappear.

“The scars remain, and healing is a lifelong journey. Speaking out was terrifying, but it has also been a step toward reclaiming my strength.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan, who led the investigation, said Khan had presented himself as a trusted religious figure but used that status to prey on vulnerable victims.

“Abdul Khan presented himself as a respectable man who could be trusted. However, this was far from the truth, and he instead preyed upon and took advantage of others.

“Today, I want to focus on the victim-survivors, who have shown remarkable bravery in reporting Khan and great strength throughout the trial.

“We hope that today’s outcome provides as a measure of comfort as they continue to rebuild their lives and serves as a reminder to anyone who has experienced sexual violence that support is available.

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“We remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous offenders and removing them from London’s streets.”

Specialist prosecutor Melissa Garner said cultural experts were brought in during the trial to help the jury understand how religious teachings were misused to manipulate victims.

“Abdul Khan abused his position as a trusted religious leader to prey on women and girls over many years, manipulating and controlling them for his own sexual gratification.

“He used their deeply held beliefs to instill fear and silence them, making them believe their families would be at risk if they ever spoke out.

“I hope this prosecution sends a clear message that the Crown Prosecution Service will work tirelessly to protect women and girls and bring anyone who commits these appalling crimes to justice.”