A private tutor who sexually assaulted five of his students has been jailed for 11 years.
Umair Iqbal, 37, abused young girls at their homes he visited to conduct lessons over a 10-year period.
Among his victims was a young muslim girl who he assaulted from when she was just eight years old.
An investigation was opened into the maths and Quran tutor, from Cheetham Hill, Manchester in October 2020, after a 15-year-old girl reported his behaviour.
She had believed for years that the abuse was her own fault, before finding the courage to tell her family and police.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
Further inquiries by Rochdale’s multi-agency safeguarding team into Iqbal uncovered another four victims, all 18 years old or younger.
The tutor was found to have routinely abused his authority his female students between 2010 and 2020.
Following a four week trial last month, Iqbal was sentenced to a total of 14 years, including 11 in prison, of which he must serve two thirds, and a further three on license.
DC Alex Dodd, who led the investigation, said: ‘All five victims were young Muslim girls from good families, abused by a person in a position of trust and silenced through fear of getting in trouble or being blamed for the abuse.
‘Iqbal befriended families and used the good reputation of a community to hide behind his sordid sexual agenda.
‘Securing justice for these victims is a positive outcome for Rochdale’s complex safeguarding team. The multi-agency work we do in Rochdale is a collaborative force for good.
‘I would like to recognise and thank all five victims and their families for their determination during the lengthy investigation and four-week trial, which was a distressing process for them.
‘We encourage anyone who feels they may have been subjected to Mr Iqbal’s behaviour to come forward and report it on 101 quoting ‘Operation Ganister.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
