2010: MBE HOLDER JAILED FOR SIX COUNTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
A man who received the MBE for his contributions to the community was publicly labeled a 'manipulative liar' by a judge before being sentenced to prison for sexual offences.Janaid Qureshi, aged 61, was sentenced to four years behind bars after being found guilty of six counts of sexual assault against a young woman.
The married father of three, residing on Queen’s Road in Blackburn and a prominent figure within the local Muslim community, was also ordered to be on the sex offenders’ register for life.
There is a possibility that Qureshi might lose his MBE, awarded in 1999, as individuals imprisoned for more than three months are eligible for the revocation of their honours.
Qureshi’s arrest took place in October 2008, and he was convicted after a weeklong trial at Bolton Crown Court in February.
Judge Elliot Knopf described Qureshi as someone who had once been a community pillar but had now experienced a significant descent from grace.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Qureshi had threatened the victim with the abuse of his influence in the community to have her deported if the allegations were exposed.
Addressing Qureshi, the judge stated: “A stigma has now been attached to your family because of what you have done, and your previously respected position in society makes this even more tragic.
However, I must emphasize that these offences are so serious that a custodial sentence is necessary immediately.” As the sentence was announced, Qureshi bowed his head while an audible gasp was heard from the public gallery.
