‘Respected faith leader’ found guilty of nine counts of rape | UK | News
A London man has been found guilty of 21 offences, including nine rapes, over a terrifying 11-year period. Abdul Halim Khan, 54, of Old Forde Road, committed these offenses between 2004 and 2015, during which time he abused his position as a respected faith leader in the local community to abuse multiple women and girls.
Khan pretended to have spiritual powers to coerce and sexually abuse girls as young as 12, by manipulating the victims and threatening to harm their families.
He was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday of nine counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault on a child under thirteen, five counts of rape on a child under thirteen and one count of assault by penetration.
Police first became aware of Khan’s crime in February 2018, when the youngest victim reported him to a teacher at her school. As part of the investigation, officers interviewed more than 50 witnesses and examined ten mobile phones.
Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, who led the investigation, said: “It shows extraordinary power to report abuse, especially if someone believes the abuser is a trusted person.
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“The seven women who came forward showed extraordinary courage when speaking to police and I hope they will serve as an inspiration to other victims and survivors.
“Whilst nothing can make up for the harm these women have suffered, I hope yesterday’s conviction will provide some measure of comfort. “I would like to thank the dedicated team of Met officers who have left no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
“We are absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous criminals and removing them from the streets of London.”
