MOHAMMED KHAN FROM SHEFFIELD AND STOKE JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT MOSQUE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Sheffield, Stoke, and Stoke-on-Trent, Mohammed Khan, a Muslim cleric, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two young boys at a mosque located on Capper Street in Stoke-on-Trent.

Mohammed Khan, aged 42, faced multiple serious charges including rape, attempted rape, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Despite his initial denial of these allegations, a jury at Nottingham Crown Court found him guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child. The offences occurred over a period from July to October 2009 within the premises of the mosque, which served as a religious and community hub in Stoke-on-Trent.

Following his conviction, Khan was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court, where he was ordered to serve a minimum term of eight years out of his 16-year sentence. The court heard that Khan had previously held a significant position as the United Kingdom’s first full-time Islamic minister at Dovegate Prison, near Uttoxeter. However, he resigned from this post amid allegations that he had sexually harassed three female staff members, further highlighting concerns about his conduct and character.

During the sentencing hearing, Mrs. Justice Dobbs emphasized the gravity of Khan’s actions and the threat he posed to the public. She pointed out that Khan, as an imam, was not only a spiritual guide but also a figure of trust within the community. She remarked that Khan was regarded as a prominent and influential figure, with one of the boys describing him as being so large that he was compared to the Queen. The judge expressed her disapproval of Khan’s betrayal of that trust, stating that his actions had caused significant shame and damage to the community’s reputation.

Mrs. Justice Dobbs also made it clear that Khan would be subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender and would be under a sex offenders’ protection order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.

During the trial, prosecutor Tariq Bin Shakoor revealed disturbing details, including that one of the boys was often singled out by Khan after evening prayers, and the other was assaulted while staying overnight at Khan’s residence. These revelations underscored the predatory nature of Khan’s conduct and the breach of trust involved.

Following the verdict on February 1, the family of one of the victims expressed their anguish, revealing that the boy had become socially isolated, withdrew from friends and family, and even expressed a desire to end his own life. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and their families, highlighting the devastating consequences of Khan’s actions and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals within religious communities.