All seven victims had been members of the native Muslim group, and Khan, who’s now not an Imam, persuaded every to fulfill him at remoted locations.
Abdul Halim Khan was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Courtroom (Picture: Police handout)
An Imam who posed as a “Jinn” or evil spirit as a way to perform a string of horrific intercourse assaults on ladies and ladies has been convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Courtroom. Abdul Halim Khan, 54, was discovered responsible on Friday of 21 counts of rape and sexual assault in addition to baby sexual offences towards seven ladies and ladies whereas an Imam at an East London Mosque.
Khan, 54, of Previous Forde Street, London, used his place of belief and authority to get to know the seven victims, three of whom had been younger teenage ladies on the time of offending. All seven had been members of the native Muslim group, and Khan, who’s now not an Imam, persuaded every to fulfill him at remoted locations, together with flats and quiet, hidden places, to stop hurt from falling on them, in response to him.
Khan would then rape or sexually abuse the victims underneath the premise that he could be possessed or disguised as a Jinn (supernatural spirit). The victims felt they needed to hold these acts hidden and quiet from households and pals for concern of doing them hurt by way of ‘Black Magic’.
Melissa Garner, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, mentioned: “Abdul Halim Khan, a former Imam abused his place of belief and authority to hold out a vicious sequence of rapes and sexual abuses towards seven victims together with three weak teenage ladies.
“Khan coerced and deceived them into considering that he possessed supernatural powers which might defend them and their households from hurt in alternate for hideous acts of sexual abuse with out their consent.”
She continued: “The lifelong bodily and emotional trauma brought on to victims by males like Khan can’t be understated.
“We want to thank the victims on this case for coming ahead and reporting this devastating crime.
Abdul Halim Khan was convicted of 21 counts of rape and sexual assault in addition to baby intercourse offences (Picture: Getty)
“I hope this conviction sends a transparent message that the CPS will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those that sexually exploit ladies and kids, each time that abuse befell.
“I encourage any victims of kid sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes dedicated towards them to the police. You aren’t alone and there’s all the time assist accessible.”
Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, who led the investigation, mentioned: “It exhibits outstanding power for anybody to report abuse, particularly when the abuser is believed to be a trusted determine. The seven girl who got here ahead have proven extraordinary braveness in talking with police and I hope they function inspiration to different victims and survivors.
“Whereas nothing will undo the hurt suffered by these ladies – yesterday’s conviction will hopefully provide a small measure of consolation. I’d prefer to thank the devoted group of Met officers who left no stone unturned of their pursuit of justice.
“We stay completely dedicated to tackling violence towards ladies and ladies, concentrating on harmful offenders and eradicating them from London’s streets.”
Khan will probably be sentenced on Could 14.
To cope with a number of the extra advanced and difficult baby sexual abuse instances like this, the CPS has established a devoted Organised Youngster Sexual Abuse Unit to share specialist understanding, construct sturdy instances and enhance the quantity of profitable prosecutions.
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Comply with the decision, one of many survivors of Khan’s abuse thanked the Met’s investigation group for restoring their belief. She mentioned: “The abuse I suffered as a toddler has had a profound and lasting influence on my life. What occurred to me didn’t finish when the abuse stopped, it affected my sense of security, my potential to belief others, and the way in which I understood relationships and authority.
“Somebody who ought to by no means have harmed me violated that belief, and the results of that betrayal have stayed with me for a few years and I proceed to hold that trauma with me.
“Like many survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I lived with disgrace, concern, and confusion that weren’t mine to hold. The lack of belief, in folks, in programs, and at occasions in myself, formed a lot of my grownup life.
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“Coming ahead was an especially troublesome resolution. Talking about what occurred meant revisiting painful reminiscences and dealing with feelings I had tried to suppress for years. Nevertheless, being listened to, believed, and handled with dignity all through the investigation helped restore a number of the belief that had been taken from me. I’m grateful to the Metropolitan Law enforcement officials who dealt with my case with care, professionalism, and sensitivity.
“I hope this final result acknowledges not solely the abuse itself, however the deep and lasting hurt it causes. I additionally hope it encourages different survivors of childhood sexual abuse to know that they aren’t alone, they aren’t guilty, and that what occurred to them matter, no matter how a lot time has handed.”
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