Abdul Halim Khan: Ex-Imam jailed for life after sexually abusing seven women and girls for more than a decade
A former imam who sexually abused women and girls over more than 10 years has been jailed. Abdul Halim Khan, 54, of Old Ford Road, Tower Hamlets, has been served a life sentence today at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London and will have to do a minimum term of 20 years.He was found guilty of 21 offences on February 13 - 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 convicted ex-imam conducted his campaign of sexual abuse against seven women and girls. Khan was an imam at a mosque in east London and used his position of power as a trusted religious leader to access his victims and influence them. He would organise meetings with them in secluded locations, sometimes in the victims' homes where he would sexually abuse them under the guise that he was a jinn (a supernatural spirit). His victims were convinced that harm would come upon them or their families through "black magic" if they reported the ex-imam's abuse, which left them not coming forward for years.One of the survivors came forward following today's sentencing, she 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 | GETTY "Coming forward felt like revisiting painful memories and emotions I had suppressed for years."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."The police became first aware of Khan in February 2018 after his youngest victim reported his abuse to a teacher at school.Prosecutors worked closely with the Metropolitan police to build up a case against the imam which spanned over a decade of offending | GETTY As part of the investigation, police interviewed over 50 witnesses and examined 10 mobile phone devices.Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan, whose team led the investigation, said: "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."We remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous offenders and removing them from London’s streets."To ensure the jury had a strong understanding of how the imam used spiritual teachings in Islam to manipulate this victims, the Crown Prosecution Service brought in cultural experts to provide the necessary context to the case.Melissa Garner, Specialist Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "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 instil 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."Anyone with information or wishing to report offences relating to Khan can call 101 quoting Op Sparebank or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.For confidential help, the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line offers free phone and online chat for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales: 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.
