BBC News
March 15, 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-12747148
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| The married priest said the victim had lied when giving evidence |
A Sikh priest has been jailed for six months for 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, was found guilty after a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
Sheriff Anthony Deutsch backdated Singh's sentence to 17 January when he was first remanded in custody.
The court previously heard Singh touched the girl on the hands, attempted to kiss her on the mouth and place food in her mouth while giving her a music lesson.
The girl told the court she felt "dirty" after the incident.
Sentencing Singh, Sheriff Deutsch told him that he showed a total lack of acceptance or remorse.
Return to India
The married priest, who has five children, said the victim had lied when giving evidence.
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 girl told a family friend and her father about the incident immediately after leaving the room.
Defence lawyer Frank Moore told the court that Singh still denied assaulting the girl.
Mr Moore added: "He is now anxious simply to serve his sentence and return to India as soon as possible on his release."
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