MOHAMMED SADIQ: CARDIFF MOSQUE SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE
In July 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Mohammed Sadiq, an 81-year-old former Koran teacher from Cardiff, who was convicted of a series of heinous child sex offences committed over a decade.Sadiq, who had dedicated 30 years of his life to teaching at Cardiff's Madina mosque, was found guilty of abusing four young girls under the guise of discipline and punishment.
He was sentenced to 13 years in prison after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court, where the court heard that Sadiq had exploited his position of authority to commit multiple sexual assaults.
The jury convicted him of eight counts of sexual assault involving a child under 13 through touching, as well as six counts of indecent assault.
Sadiq, who resided in Cyncoed, Cardiff, had denied all charges, claiming that the accusations were politically motivated within the mosque community.
Judge Stephen Hopkins QC, presiding over the case, addressed Sadiq directly during sentencing, stating, “Children called you ‘uncle’ as a mark of respect.
You are a man in my judgement of some cunning.” The judge further remarked, “Beneath the veneer there is a dark and deviant side,” highlighting the betrayal of trust and the sinister nature of Sadiq’s actions.
It was revealed that Sadiq, who also served as a part-time Imam, committed these offences at the Woodville Road mosque, where he sexually assaulted two girls under the age of 13 by touching them inappropriately.
Additionally, he indecently assaulted two other girls over a period spanning from 1996 to 2006.
The abuse was often inflicted when the victims made mistakes while reciting the Koran, and Sadiq would use a stick as a form of punishment, hitting them on the hand or back.
Many victims reported that they were too frightened to attend the mosque after the abuse, with one even revealing that she had attempted to take her own life due to the trauma.
During victim impact statements read aloud in court, several survivors expressed feelings of fear, shame, and cultural barriers that prevented them from speaking out earlier.
One victim explained that her religion made it almost impossible to disclose her experiences, stating, “Due to my religion it was very difficult, almost impossible to tell anyone what had happened.” Another survivor recounted how elders in her community advised her that discussing what happened at the mosque was “not acceptable” within their cultural norms.
She shared her relief upon finally confiding in her mother, who believed her and took her to the police.
She emphasized the importance of family support, saying, “In my family, honour is very important, but my family have been very supportive.” Since the mosque burned down in 2006 and was relocated elsewhere in Cardiff, Sadiq has had no involvement with the religious community.
Despite being cleared of one indecent assault charge during the trial, he was sentenced to serve 13 years in prison, and in addition, he was issued with a sexual harm prevention order.
He will also be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
In June 2017, one of Sadiq’s victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, gave a harrowing account of how the abuse has affected her life.
She described her struggles to forget her childhood memories and the lasting impact of the trauma.
She recounted how Sadiq would call her to sit with him to read the Koran, during which he would inappropriately touch her in a discreet manner that other children did not notice.
She explained that the abuse became so routine that it started to feel normal, and she would simply try to endure each day.
The victim detailed how she felt powerless during the assaults, often freezing in fear and feeling a loss of control.
She described the emotional scars left behind, including feelings of shame and difficulty coping with her past.
She emphasized that she was only eight years old at the time and had no understanding of what was happening, only that she was being sent to the mosque by her parents and expected to follow instructions.
She also offered advice to other women who might be experiencing similar abuse, stressing the importance of speaking out.
“I think it’s important to speak out – especially for women who need to feel empowered, to know that they can talk about it and that there is so much help out there,” she said.
Her message was one of hope and encouragement, emphasizing that sharing one’s story can be a crucial step toward healing and justice.
