Former Islamic Teacher Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexual Offences Against Girls

# Former Islamic Teacher, 71, Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Offences Against Young Girls
A 71-year-old man, Hafez Ashraf Uddin, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for committing sexual offences against multiple young girls, some as young as seven. The sentencing took place in early October 2023 at Kingston Crown Court, marking a significant step towards justice for the victims.
Uddin, a former Islamic teacher, was found guilty of a series of offences that included sexual assault and other sexual crimes. The incidents occurred between 2014 and 2016 in south-west London, where he held classes. The court heard harrowing testimonies from the young victims, who bravely spoke about the abuse they suffered during this period.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Uddin exploited his position of trust as an educator to carry out the offences. His actions left lasting trauma on the young girls affected, prompting law enforcement to take swift action once the allegations came to light.
Prosecutors highlighted Uddin's predatory behaviour, which was methodical and manipulative. In addition to the prison sentence, he has been mandated to register on the Sex Offenders' Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the potential danger he poses to society.
Local authorities and community leaders have expressed their demands for vigilance and heightened safeguards to protect children from similar predators in the future. The case has sparked discussions on the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure the safety of their students.
The police have encouraged any further victims or witnesses to come forward with information, emphasizing the importance of reporting such crimes to prevent future occurrences.