"You had a position of significant power and authority, a position you systematically abused for your own base sexual gratification. Cuthbert talked of Khan specifically targeting women and girls from the Bangladeshi Muslim community because of his standing and the shame the victims might feel in speaking out about sexual abuse. “You behaved as if you were untouchable. You were confident that if they did come forward it would be you and not they who would be believed,” Cuthbert told Khan."
"Judge Leslie Cuthbert described Khan's “deliberate distortion of the Muslim faith”. “You had a position of significant power and authority, a position you systematically abused for your own base sexual gratification,” the judge told the former imam at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Cuthbert talked of Khan specifically targeting women and girls from the Bangladeshi Muslim community because of his standing and the shame the victims might feel in speaking out about sexual abuse."
"The court heard statements from some of the victims who all spoke of the severely detrimental impact the attacks had caused, with one talking about having tried to take her own life. One of Khan's victims, who said she was a child when she was abused, tearfully told the court: “To me, Khan is not a human being, he is evil personified.” She said fear was instilled in her through Khan's “lies and manipulation”, saying that he hid “under the guise of a religious man”."
"Khan was found guilty of 21 counts of rape, sexual assault and child sexual offences against victims at what were described as isolated places, including flats and hidden locations. Abdul Halim Khan, 54, was described as having abused the trust and authority that came with his position to carry out attacks against seven victims from the local Muslim community between 2005 and 2014."
A former imam in east London was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for sexual attacks on women and girls as young as 12. He was convicted of 21 counts of rape, sexual assault, and child sexual offences committed against seven victims between 2005 and 2014. The offences occurred at isolated locations including flats and hidden places. The judge said he deliberately distorted the Muslim faith and systematically abused his position of power for sexual gratification. The court heard he targeted victims from the Bangladeshi Muslim community and relied on shame and fear to prevent reporting. Victims described severe harm, including suicidal attempts, and said he used lies and manipulation under the guise of religion.
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