4 days ago
Private tutor who molested Muslim girls as young as eight while he taught them about the Koran at their homes is jailed for 14 years after victim, 15, spoke up
A paedophile private tutor who molested Muslim girls in their homes while he taught them about the Koran has been jailed after one of his victim's bravely spoke out.
Umair Iqbal, 38, preyed on the girls, aged between eight and 18, over a 10-year period while tutoring his victims in maths and to learn the Koran.
The bespectacled predator regularly attended the homes of the youngsters to carry out lessons - before going on to sexually assault his pupils.
His reign of terror only came to an end when one of victims, aged just 15, courageously reported his warped behaviour to police after years of abuse.
Iqbal, of Cheetham Hill, Manchester, has now been sentenced to 14 years, 11 of which will be served in prison, with three years on licence after his release
He was sentenced on Thursday at Manchester Crown Court following a four-week trial last month when he was convicted by a jury of 29 out of 30 counts of sexual assault.
Police first launched inquiries in October 2020 when a 15-year-old victim came forward, after years of believing the abuse was her own fault.
A subsequent investigation revealed four more victims, including one girl who had been abused from the age of eight.
Detective Constable Alex Dodd, from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: 'All five victims were young Muslim girls from good families, abused by a person in a position of trust and silenced through fear of getting in trouble or being blamed for the abuse.
'Iqbal befriended families and used the good reputation of a community to hide behind his sordid sexual agenda.
'Securing justice for these victims is a positive outcome for Rochdale's complex safeguarding team.
'The multi-agency work we do in Rochdale is a collaborative force for good.
'It involves GMP officers, children's services, youth workers, social workers, health professionals, housing officers and public protection services, all working together to investigate child sexual exploitation (CSE), safeguard victims, uncover the truth and bring offenders to justice.
'I would like to recognise and thank all five victims and their families for their determination during the lengthy investigation and four-week trial, which was a distressing process for them.
'We encourage anyone who feels they may have been subjected to Mr Iqbal's behaviour to come forward and report it on 101 quoting Operation Ganister.'
