YUSUF MANGERA JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LEICESTER: VICTIM'S LONG ROAD TO JUSTICE
| Red Rose Database
Leicester Sexual Abuser
In a case that has spanned decades, Yusuf Mangera, a 56-year-old man from St Barnabas Road in Leicester, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a young girl during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The conviction was handed down at Leicester Crown Court in October, following a detailed trial that uncovered the disturbing abuse committed by Mangera while he was employed as a Koran tutor.
According to court proceedings, Mangera was hired by the victim’s father to visit their family home and teach the children to read the Koran. The victim, now a married woman and a qualified counsellor, bravely came forward to report the abuse after many years of silence. Her decision to speak out was motivated by her recent experiences with IVF treatment and her desire to protect other children from similar harm.
The court heard that the abuse took place over approximately two years, during which Mangera, then in his 20s, indecently assaulted the girl on multiple occasions. The victim recounted that her younger brother was often dismissed from the room during lessons, which allowed Mangera to carry out his inappropriate actions. She described how the abuse began with touches on her knee while she was reading the Koran, but gradually escalated to more invasive contact beneath her clothes.
She explained that she attempted to prevent the abuse by wearing tight clothing and avoiding lessons altogether. Despite her efforts, she confided in her mother at the time, who dismissed her concerns, telling her not to be “daft.” It was only when her father considered hiring the same tutor for her younger sister that she decided to reveal the truth to her family.
Throughout the trial, Mangera maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and asserting that the abuse never occurred. He appeared in court with an interpreter, refusing to admit any wrongdoing. However, Judge David Price emphasized the gravity of the offences, highlighting the cultural and religious context in which the abuse took place. The judge stated, “The offences were aggravated by the fact that, as you well know, in your culture and religion the mere touching of a young female who is not a member of your family is thought to be wrong and shameful.”
He further condemned Mangera’s betrayal of the trust placed in him by the girl’s parents, who believed he was a reputable Hafiz and scholar of the Koran. The judge pointed out that Mangera’s actions caused profound shame and lasting trauma, including a fear of being touched, which has complicated her medical treatment. As a consequence of his misconduct, Mangera was also disqualified from working with children.
Following the sentencing, the victim expressed relief and gratitude for finally being able to speak out. “I am glad though that in the end I found the courage to speak out,” she said. “I did so in the hope of protecting other children from harm but I also hope that in some small way obtaining criminal justice finally helps me to lay this terrible chapter in my life to rest.”
Detective Constable Jamie Carr, who led the investigation, commented on the importance of victims coming forward regardless of how much time has passed. “It is never too late for someone to come forward if they have been a victim of child abuse,” he said. “Today’s sentence just shows that even after 28 years, we can still bring someone before the courts and deliver justice for victims of similar abuse.”
According to court proceedings, Mangera was hired by the victim’s father to visit their family home and teach the children to read the Koran. The victim, now a married woman and a qualified counsellor, bravely came forward to report the abuse after many years of silence. Her decision to speak out was motivated by her recent experiences with IVF treatment and her desire to protect other children from similar harm.
The court heard that the abuse took place over approximately two years, during which Mangera, then in his 20s, indecently assaulted the girl on multiple occasions. The victim recounted that her younger brother was often dismissed from the room during lessons, which allowed Mangera to carry out his inappropriate actions. She described how the abuse began with touches on her knee while she was reading the Koran, but gradually escalated to more invasive contact beneath her clothes.
She explained that she attempted to prevent the abuse by wearing tight clothing and avoiding lessons altogether. Despite her efforts, she confided in her mother at the time, who dismissed her concerns, telling her not to be “daft.” It was only when her father considered hiring the same tutor for her younger sister that she decided to reveal the truth to her family.
Throughout the trial, Mangera maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and asserting that the abuse never occurred. He appeared in court with an interpreter, refusing to admit any wrongdoing. However, Judge David Price emphasized the gravity of the offences, highlighting the cultural and religious context in which the abuse took place. The judge stated, “The offences were aggravated by the fact that, as you well know, in your culture and religion the mere touching of a young female who is not a member of your family is thought to be wrong and shameful.”
He further condemned Mangera’s betrayal of the trust placed in him by the girl’s parents, who believed he was a reputable Hafiz and scholar of the Koran. The judge pointed out that Mangera’s actions caused profound shame and lasting trauma, including a fear of being touched, which has complicated her medical treatment. As a consequence of his misconduct, Mangera was also disqualified from working with children.
Following the sentencing, the victim expressed relief and gratitude for finally being able to speak out. “I am glad though that in the end I found the courage to speak out,” she said. “I did so in the hope of protecting other children from harm but I also hope that in some small way obtaining criminal justice finally helps me to lay this terrible chapter in my life to rest.”
Detective Constable Jamie Carr, who led the investigation, commented on the importance of victims coming forward regardless of how much time has passed. “It is never too late for someone to come forward if they have been a victim of child abuse,” he said. “Today’s sentence just shows that even after 28 years, we can still bring someone before the courts and deliver justice for victims of similar abuse.”