By Emma King
This Is Staffordshire
February 2, 2011
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/IMAM-GUILTY-RAPING-SCHOOLBOY/article-3172446-detail/article.html
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MUSLIM leader Mohammed Hanif Khan has been warned he faces up to 14 years in jail after raping a schoolboy at his mosque and sexually assaulting another youngster.
The imam, pictured, was remanded in custody after being found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child after a three-week trial.
A third count of rape and one of attempted rape were dismissed by a judge at Nottingham Crown Court after the jury failed to reach a verdict in respect of the charges after 14 hours of deliberations.
The two victims, both aged under 18, attended the mosque in Capper Street, Tunstall, where Khan was employed as imam.
The 41-year-old raped one of the boys there following prayers, while he assaulted the second teenage boy after he stayed over at the defendant's former home.
Khan, aged 42, showed no emotion as he sat in the dock when the verdicts were read out.
One of the boys' relatives shouted "justice has been done" from the public gallery, as the jury announced its decision.
Father-of-five Khan, who used to live in Crestfield Road, Meir, will be sentenced next month.
Detective Inspector Tim Martin, from Staffordshire Police, said: "This has been a thorough and sensitive inquiry.
"We realise that the case has been a cause for some understandable concern in the community.
"Khan protested his innocence throughout the investigation and during court proceedings, but the jury did not believe his account of events and recognised he had abused his position of trust."
Don Knapper, district crown prosecutor for the CPS in Staffordshire, said: "This is a case of abuse on young boys by a man who they and their families trusted.
"Khan exploited the access he was afforded as their teacher to abuse the boys.
"The CPS has worked closely with Staffordshire Police throughout this case, from the giving of initial advice to the police when the allegations were made, through to the presentation of the case in court.
"Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time and hope that this conviction will help them come to terms with what has happened to them."
Khan continues to protest his innocence and is considering an appeal.
Speaking to The Sentinel in an exclusive interview after the jury was sent out to consider its verdict, Khan said: "If I am convicted of these offences it will be a gross miscarriage of justice and I will appeal against the decision."
Respected community leader ruined: Page 6
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