18 March 2011 Last updated at 09:36 ET
Mohammed Hanif Khan was "treated like a god" by boys in his care
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A Muslim cleric who sexually assaulted two boys at a mosque in Stoke-on-Trent has been sentenced to 16 years in jail.
Mohammed Hanif Khan, 42, had denied charges of rape, attempted rape and sexual activity with a child.
A jury at Nottingham Crown Court found Khan, of Owler Lane, Sheffield, guilty of two counts of rape and one of sexual activity with a child.
The offences took place at the mosque on Capper Street between July and October 2009.
Khan, who was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court, was told he will serve a minimum term of eight years.
'Like the Queen'He had been the UK's first full-time Islamic minister at Dovegate Prison, near Uttoxeter.
During sentencing judge Mrs Justice Dobbs revealed he had resigned from this post over allegations he sexually harassed three female members of staff.
That showed Khan was a serious risk to the public, she said.
Justice Dobbs told Khan: "You were the imam and not only were you the boys' teacher you were the boys' guide.
"Start Quote
End Quote Mrs Justice DobbsYou were taken into the hearts of the community and treated like a god"
"You were taken into the hearts of the community and treated like a god.
"One of the boys described you as being so big you were like the Queen.
"Your actions have had a significant effect on the community. The boys have been reviled by the community for bringing shame on the community."
'Suicidal thoughts'Khan will be on the sex offenders' register for life and subject to a sex offenders' protection order.
During the trial prosecutor Tariq Bin Shakoor told the court one of the boys was often singled out by Khan after evening prayers.
The other boy was assaulted when he was an overnight guest at Khan's house, the jury heard.
Following the verdict on 1 February the family of one of Khan's victims said the boy isolated himself from friends and family and even wanted to end his life.
Related Stories
- Imam guilty of sex abuse of boys 01 FEBRUARY 2011, STOKE & STAFFORDSHIRE
- Accused imam 'helped unruly boys' 24 JANUARY 2011, STOKE & STAFFORDSHIRE
- Imam 'assaulted boy in classroom' 13 JANUARY 2011, STOKE & STAFFORDSHIRE
- Imam denies mosque rape charges 12 JANUARY 2011, STOKE & STAFFORDSHIRE
Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-12780538
Related Internet links:
The Catholic Church and the Scandal of Sex Abuse by Priests
Acid attack on boy who 'refused sex with Muslim cleric' - Telegraph
Muslim cleric jailed for sexual abuse - Sheffield Forum
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