BBC News
February 22, 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-12544796
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| The victim told the court she felt "dirty" after the incident |
A Sikh priest has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in his room at a temple in Glasgow's west end.
Surinder Singh tried to touch and kiss the youngster at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Otago Street on 15 January.
The 53-year-old, who was visiting Scotland from India at the time, was found guilty after a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
Sheriff Anthony Deutch deferred sentence until next month.
The court heard Singh touched the girl on the hands, attempted to kiss her on the mouth and place food in her mouth.
The girl told the court she felt "dirty" after the incident.
'Evidence incredible'
The court heard she had been at a religious event at the Otago Street temple when she was asked to Singh's room so that he would teach her classical music on the harmonium.
The court heard the girl told a family friend and her father about the incident immediately after leaving the room.
In his evidence, Singh said the young girl approached him and said she wanted to learn classical music.
The married priest said the victim had lied when giving evidence.
But the sheriff told him: "I find the evidence of the Crown witnesses to be both credible and reliable and reject your evidence as incredible, therefore find you guilty."
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