November 2008 Community figure jailed for child sex crimes A DISGRACED community figure has been jailed for four years and banned from associating with children for a series of child sex crimes. Asaf Sadiq molested his victim then denied everything and put the girl through a traumatic crown court trial when he was caught. The 45-year-old was convicted by a jury in October on one charge of indecent assault and four of sexual assault on a child under 13. Sadiq, of Normanby Road, Middlesbrough, was sentenced on Monday at Teesside Crown Court. Prosecutor Michael Bosomworth said Sadiq repeatedly touched the girl when she was as young as eight in a “persistent course of conduct”. The sexual abuse came to light last year as the girl broke down and told her mother what Sadiq had done. Judge John Walford told Sadiq: “You have persistently denied any wrongdoing. “The seriousness of these offences over and above their obvious seriousness lies the fact that this was a serious abuse of trust. “And also the effect on that child of your behaviour is a further feature which I cannot ignore. “It was apparent during the course of the trial and also from what I’ve read that your behaviour and indeed the ordeal of giving evidence has had a profound effect upon her.” Mr Bosomworth added: “On her own she does break down. She would like to get away from Middlesbrough.” Ian Bradshaw, defending Sadiq, said: “He has been well regarded by both members of the host community and members of the local Muslim community.” The married dad had references from an imam and from people he knew at university. “This was an absolute bolt from the blue for all of them,” added Mr Bradshaw. Judge Walford added: “You’re obviously an intelligent and educated man and you have won the respect and affection of many people.” He did not deem Sadiq, who had no relevant previous convictions, to be a dangerous offender requiring an indefinite prison sentence. But he said the crimes were so serious and persistent that there had to be a prison sentence of four years. Sadiq will be on the sex offenders’ register, banned by the judge from working with children and banned under a sexual offences prevention order from associating with under-18s, all indefinitely. Detective Inspector Jason Dickson from Cleveland Police’s child protection unit said: “Even after his offences came to light Mr Sadiq refused to admit his guilt and made his victim go through the trauma of giving evidence against him at court. “His sentence reinforces the fact that the agencies involved in the Criminal Justice System will do all that they can to bring those who abuse children to justice.”