HASHAM LODHI'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN LANCASHIRE: A TALE OF MANIPULATION AND BETRAYAL
A man from Lancashire, named Hasham Lodhi, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving a teenage girl, exploiting his claimed spiritual healing abilities to manipulate and abuse her.The disturbing case was heard at Preston Crown Court, revealing a pattern of exploitation that spanned several months and involved deeply manipulative tactics.
According to court proceedings, Lodhi, aged 41, engaged in abusive behavior at an address in Nelson, Lancashire.
He falsely presented himself as a spiritual healer capable of performing rituals to 'cleanse' individuals of evil influences.
During these rituals, he would read passages from the Quran while the victim was naked, claiming that this was necessary for her spiritual purification.
These acts were not only invasive but also deeply traumatic for the young girl involved.
The victim’s mother initially sought Lodhi’s help in March 2021, believing that he possessed genuine healing powers that could assist those suffering from black magic or spiritual affliction.
She was led to believe that Lodhi could help her daughter, who was struggling academically and emotionally.
As part of his manipulation, Lodhi asked the victim’s mother to allow her daughter to be tutored by his wife, who, notably, was not involved in the offending acts.
During the course of their interactions, Lodhi persuaded the girl to send him nude photographs of herself.
Prosecutor Tobias Collins outlined that Lodhi would tell the victim she had 'sinned' and needed to be 'cleansed.' On one occasion, he claimed her 'stomach was blocked' and that she harbored evil inside her that required removal.
Lodhi further threatened that if she refused to continue with the rituals or 'break the circle,' she risked severe consequences, including a car accident or harm to her mother.
He also confided in his wife, who was present at home during the incidents, telling her that she would be affected by evil spirits if she did not stay in the bedroom while Lodhi carried out these rituals.
The victim later described her suffering, stating that she had experienced flashbacks and insomnia since the abuse, feeling utterly powerless.
She expressed feelings of shame, recounting that Lodhi told her she was 'unclean and impure.' In February, Lodhi was found guilty of four counts of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.
His defense lawyer, Emma Kehoe, maintained that Lodhi did not accept the charges but acknowledged that his behavior towards the victim was 'unacceptable.' Judge Daniel Prowse sentenced Lodhi to 12 years in prison.
The judge emphasized the severity of the abuse, highlighting how Lodhi exploited the victim’s vulnerability and her faith in his supposed spiritual powers.
The judge stated, 'You were aware of how vulnerable she was, how much she feared the evil spirits you told her were affecting her, how much faith she could be persuaded to have in you.' He condemned Lodhi’s actions as ruthless and manipulative, noting that he used her religious beliefs as a tool for abuse and that his conduct represented a gross betrayal of her trust.
Furthermore, the court imposed a lifelong sex offender notification requirement on Lodhi and issued an indefinite restraining order to prevent any contact between him and the victim.
Lodhi, who now resides on Brennand Street, Burnley, was also subjected to these strict conditions to protect the victim from further harm.
The case underscores the devastating impact of exploitation disguised as spiritual guidance and highlights the importance of vigilance against such manipulative practices in the community.
