HAFIZ ULLAH SHOCKS HITCHIN WITH CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL IN HERTFORDSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Hajif Ullah, a 43-year-old former imam, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting to multiple charges of indecent assault against young girls.

The offences, which occurred over a period from September of the previous year to May of this year, involved six separate incidents. Ullah was found to have assaulted two girls aged 10 and 11, respectively, with two offences against the 11-year-old, one against another 11-year-old, and a final assault against an 18-year-old girl. These assaults took place within the premises of the mosque where Ullah served as a religious teacher, a position that he exploited in a grievous breach of trust.

Ullah’s actions were brought to light during a hearing at St Albans Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to all six charges. The court was told that the offences occurred in Hitchin, a town in Hertfordshire, where Ullah was a respected figure within the local Muslim community. The judge, Findlay Baker, did not hold back in condemning Ullah’s conduct, stating, “In any culture, the abuse of his importance and respectable position by a religious teacher is a grave offence — especially when committed in a holy place.”

Following his arrest, Ullah was dismissed from his position at the mosque in May. Subsequently, he relocated to London, where he was apprehended by authorities in July. During the proceedings, Ali Azher, representing Ullah, expressed remorse on behalf of his client, emphasizing that Ullah was deeply sorry for his actions and wished to extend apologies to his victims and their families.

As part of his sentence, Ullah’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years. Additionally, he has been disqualified from working with children for the same duration, a measure aimed at protecting other potential victims from similar harm in the future. The case has left the community of Hitchin grappling with the betrayal of trust by someone they once regarded as a spiritual guide, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding within religious institutions.