DAVOUD TAGHINEJAD SHOCKS ISLE OF MAN AND TRAFFORD WITH CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Isle of Man and Trafford communities, Davoud Taghinejad, a teacher with a history of misconduct, has been sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison after being found guilty of heinous sexual crimes involving underage girls.

Taghinejad, aged 58, was employed as a mathematics instructor at the Isle of Man College and used his position to prey on vulnerable students. The offences, which spanned from 2011 to 2013, involved five girls aged between 13 and 17. The crimes came to light after the victims bravely came forward to report the abuse, leading to a two-week trial at Douglas Court House.

The jury, composed of three women and four men, deliberated for approximately four hours before reaching a verdict. They found Taghinejad guilty of one count of rape and ten counts of sexual assault. The court heard that the abuse was committed during private tutoring sessions at his residence in Douglas, where he exploited his position of trust.

Following the conviction, Deemster Alastair Montgomerie sentenced Taghinejad to nine years for the rape and an additional six years for the sexual assaults. The court also ordered that his name be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes. Upon release, his license will be extended by five years, during which he will be subject to strict restrictions and monitoring.

In addition to the prison sentence, Taghinejad will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which will limit his contact with individuals under the age of 18. The judge praised the victims for their courage in coming forward and commended their conduct during the proceedings, emphasizing the importance of their bravery in seeking justice.

The trial revealed disturbing details about the methods Taghinejad used to manipulate his victims. The girls described how he introduced “games” into their lessons, which involved them holding their breath while he felt for their heartbeat. These games escalated into more serious abuse, with one girl recounting how the activity eventually led to rape.

It was also disclosed that Taghinejad previously taught at North Trafford College in Greater Manchester for a decade before relocating to the Isle of Man in 2009. The case took another dark turn when it was revealed that his son, Behnam Taghinejad, was convicted in November 2012 for grooming a 12-year-old girl for sex. Behnam is also a registered sex offender, adding a further layer of concern to the case.

As the community grapples with the revelations, the justice system’s firm stance sends a clear message about the seriousness of sexual offenses against minors. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the courage of victims in seeking justice against those who abuse their positions of trust.