TARA SINGH FROM WOLVERHAMPTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AT SIKH TEMPLE
In January of the previous year, a disturbing incident took place at a Sikh temple in Wolverhampton involving a 76-year-old man named Tara Singh.Singh was convicted of sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy who was present alone in the foyer of the religious building at the time.
The court proceedings revealed that Singh, a complete stranger to the child, approached him in a manner that was both inappropriate and manipulative.
According to the prosecution, Miss Cathryn Orchard, Singh initially complimented the boy on his turban, which appeared to be an attempt to establish a rapport.
He then extended an invitation for a casual conversation, which the young boy accepted.
As the interaction progressed, Singh persuaded the child to sit on his lap.
It was during this moment that Singh engaged in acts of sexual assault, kissing the boy and fondling his private parts both over and under his clothing.
The court heard that the assault was carried out in a manner that left the child visibly distressed.
The young victim, overwhelmed and frightened, managed to break free from Singh’s grasp and ran to inform his mother about what had transpired.
The mother immediately reported the incident to the authorities.
Singh denied any involvement initially, but law enforcement officials identified him through CCTV footage captured at the scene.
Following his arrest, Singh admitted to being the attacker and pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault against the boy.
It was also revealed during the court proceedings that Singh had established residence in Wolverhampton, specifically on Park Street in Goldthorn Park.
He had originally entered the United Kingdom in 2002 on a six-month visitor’s visa from India but chose not to return when the visa expired.
The defense, represented by Mr.
Simon Burch, acknowledged that Singh was likely an overstayer and was residing illegally in the country.
Burch attributed Singh’s failure to show remorse or acknowledge the gravity of his actions to feelings of embarrassment.
Judge Barry Berlin sentenced Singh to 16 months in prison, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
The judge stated, “You exploited and took advantage of this boy after gaining his trust through your age and the location.
You did not know him and did not appreciate the CCTV footage capturing your actions when you invited him to sit on your lap in a grandfatherly manner – but your intentions were far from innocent.
The boy had to fight his way free from your grasp.” Furthermore, Singh was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was placed on the Sex Offender Register for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and restrictions to prevent further harm.
