Bradford Former Imam Jailed for Sexual Abuse of Teenager

BRADFORD FORMER IMAM JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGER

A former imam and teacher at a Bradford mosque has been branded a “hypocrite” by a judge as he jailed him for sexually abusing a teenage boy.

Mohammed Ilyas Alibhai, 66, was sentenced to a year in prison after a jury found him guilty of three charges of sexual activity with a child at the end of his trial in November.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Alibhai committed the offences about 15 years ago while he held a position of trust at the mosque.

Prosecutor Nick Adlington stated that Alibhai had hugged, kissed, and rubbed himself against the complainant.

The offence had a “devastating” impact on the victim, who must remain anonymous for legal reasons, and had caused severe psychological harm.

Alibhai’s barrister, Laura McBride, said her client had arrived in the country in 1992 and had spent his life as a scholar and teacher, supporting and helping many individuals.

The court was informed that Alibhai recently suffered a heart attack, and his lawyer urged the judge to consider suspending his sentence.

The judge, Judge Nadim, emphasized that Alibhai’s respected position at the mosque masked a darker side, calling him a “hypocrite with an unhealthy sexual interest.” Judge Nadim condemned his conduct in a place of worship, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the victim’s long-lasting scars.

Alibhai will also be subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order and must register as a sex offender with the police for ten years.