Imam jailed for life after raping and sexually assaulting women and girls

The imam, who raped and sexually assaulted women and 12-year-old girls by claiming to have supernatural powers, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard Abdul Halim Khan, an Indian national, used his respected position as a faith leader to abuse seven women and girls in the Muslim community over a nine-year period between 2005 and 2014.

Prosecutors revealed the 54-year-old man, of Old Forde Road in east London, was a mosque imam who systematically lured his victims to isolated locations, including private flats and secluded locations.

Khan would then proceed to rape or sexually assault them under the guise of being possessed or disguised by a person. demonsThe court was told there was a supernatural spirit.

According to prosecutors, the victims were reportedly forced into silence for fear that speaking out would harm their families through “black magic.”

Sentencing Khan, Judge Leslie Cuthbert condemned his actions and said: “Behind a public appearance of civility and sanctity, you took a terrible advantage of women who relied entirely on you for your own sexual gratification. You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted seven women, both children and young women. You acted as if you were untouchable.”

The judge continued: “You were confident that none of the victims, who came from the same community you belonged to, would be able to overcome the potential shame and stigma they might unfortunately feel or be subjected to by reporting you. You were confident that if they came forward, it would be you, not them, who would be believed.”

Judge Cuthbert described Khan’s criminality as “an unrestrained campaign of rape and abuse against women and girls”, adding: “This is the work of a serial rapist and child molester, but it is impossible for me to succinctly summarize the devastation you have caused.”

He also warned: “I am confident that you continue to pose a great danger to girls and women who may be persuaded to be alone with you, and this risk will continue for the foreseeable future, especially given that some members of society continue to hold you in high esteem.”

Khan was ultimately found guilty of 21 counts of rape and sexual assault.

One of Khan’s victims, who was a child when the abuse took place, tearfully told the court: “To me, Khan is not a human being, he is the embodiment of evil.” He stated that he was instilled with fear through Khan’s “lies and manipulation” and that he was hiding “under the guise of a religious man”.

The woman stated that Khan “robbed me of the autonomy I should have over my own body” and that she was “caged” into silence because of his threats against family members.

He concluded his words as follows: “He is a danger to society and will continue to be a danger as long as he lives.”

Another victim, who was also a child at the time of the abuse, said she was “horrified, confused and powerless” in a statement read to the court. She described how Khan used his position of authority to “terrorize” her, adding that he “exploited” her faith and vulnerability.

Scotland Yard confirmed police first became aware of Khan’s offending in February 2018 when the youngest victim reported him to a teacher at his school. Police added that during interviews, Khan consistently denied the allegations, claiming they were part of a conspiracy and that the victims had made up a story for revenge. The court heard the defendant continues to maintain his innocence.

He was found guilty of nine counts of rape in February; four sexual assaults; two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13; Five counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration of a child under 13 years of age.

Melissa Garner, a specialist prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, commented: “Abdel Halim 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, convincing them that their families would be at risk if they spoke out.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan, whose team led the investigation, said: “Abdul Khan presented himself as a respectable man who could be trusted. But this was far from the truth and instead he preyed on and took advantage of others.”

“Today, I want to focus on the surviving victims who showed remarkable courage in reporting Khan and great strength throughout the trial. We hope today’s outcome provides some comfort as they continue to rebuild their lives and is a reminder to anyone who has experienced sexual violence that support is available.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous criminals and removing them from the streets of London.”