SULEMAN MAKNOJOIA'S SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN BLACKBURN
In March 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Suleman Maknojioa, a 40-year-old Islamic teacher from Blackburn, who was found guilty of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl during religious lessons.The incident took place in the girl’s family home, where Maknojioa was engaged by her parents to provide private Islamic education, specifically teaching the Quran in Arabic.
Maknojioa, who was highly respected as a Hafiz, was responsible for instructing the girl and her two brothers up to three times a week.
The court heard that the lessons began in September 2012, and initially, the teaching was focused on religious texts.
However, over time, troubling behaviors surfaced.
The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, recounted that Maknojioa began to touch her inappropriately during these sessions, starting with her arms and head, then progressing to her legs, feet, and chest, often when she was kneeling or sitting cross-legged while reading the Quran.
She described feeling frightened and confused, unable to articulate what was happening at the time.
The girl told the court, “I did not want it, but I was too afraid to say something.
He would put his hand under my headscarf on my chest and he would squeeze.
He would only use the one hand.
The other hand would be writing or pointing to my brothers and telling them to pray harder.” She further explained that her older brother suspected something was wrong, having noticed Maknojioa’s favoritism and inappropriate touching, including stroking her thigh in a manner that was clearly inappropriate.
The abuse reportedly lasted for approximately nine months, from September 2012 until June 2013, until the lessons ended.
The girl’s father confronted Maknojioa at his home, but the teacher denied all allegations.
Despite his denials, Maknojioa was later convicted of five counts of sexual activity with a child after a trial at Preston Crown Court.
During the trial, the court heard that Maknojioa believed his actions were “appropriate” and intended to reassure the girl, which only added to the betrayal of trust.
The court was also informed that Maknojioa was a father of six, married, and that his wife spoke very little English.
His family depended heavily on him, especially since he was currently reliant on benefits and had never claimed them before.
The court noted his health issues, including kidney problems, which required ongoing medical attention.
In sentencing, Judge Michael Byrne emphasized the breach of trust involved in the case.
He stated, “The parents invited you into the sanctity of their own home for the purpose of religious education.
They trusted you and left you alone with their children.
Her brothers found themselves in a difficult situation, and the girl was young, vulnerable, and impressionable.” The judge highlighted that Maknojioa’s repeated misconduct was a serious breach of the trust placed in him as a religious teacher.
Although the court acknowledged his family circumstances and health issues, it was determined that a custodial sentence was appropriate.
Maknojioa was sentenced to 40 weeks in prison, suspended for two years.
Additionally, he will be under supervision for two years, subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for ten years, and will be on an adult barring list for seven years.
The judge also noted that Maknojioa’s offending merited a custodial sentence crossing the threshold, but the suspension was deemed appropriate given his health and family situation.
In January 2014, Maknojioa was found guilty after a week-long trial, during which the jury unanimously convicted him of all five charges.
He maintained his innocence, claiming he only touched the girl in a non-sexual manner, such as patting her on the back when she performed well.
The court’s summing-up included the girl’s testimony, where she expressed her fear and confusion, stating, “He was not touching me like ‘well done’.
It was not like that.
He put his hand under my scarf and squeezed my chest.
You do not do that when somebody says well done.” Judge Byrne emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting the defendant’s position of trust and the lengthy period over which the abuse occurred.
He ordered that Maknojioa be sentenced on February 19, with the case still under consideration for a pre-sentence report.
The court’s decision reflects the gravity of betraying the trust of vulnerable children in a religious setting, especially when the offender holds a position of authority and respect within the community.
