Rochdale Imam jailed after beating children attending his study classes

A Rochdale Imam has been jailed after beating children attending his study classes.

Abdul Rauf (27/07/1966), of Rochdale, has been jailed for one year and five months after pleading guilty to a section 47 and a section 39 assault against two boys aged 10 and 12 and a further 19 section 39 assaults on unidentified children.

Police received a report on 3 October 2017 that two boys had been assaulted at a teaching centre affiliated to a Mosque on Crawford Street in Rochdale by their Imam, Abdul Rauf.

Police launched an investigation and seized CCTV from inside the teaching centre.

Whilst viewing the CCTV, police viewed Rauf assaulting many children whilst they were in his study class.

The assaults were never reported to police, however the CCTV evidence enabled police to charge Rauf for the offences which had not been reported.

Inspector Phil Key, from GMP’s Rochdale borough, said: “Abdul Rauf is a nasty, bully of a man who beat the children in his classes until it became normalised.

“The children were left cowering and holding onto their ears, their arms and their legs after he repeatedly used violence as a punishment.

“The parents of the children had no idea that they were leaving their children in the care of a man who would leave them writhing in pain and covered in marks and bruises.

“Rauf left the children intimidated and afraid to tell their parents about his bullying tactics.

“I dread to think how many children’s lives he has affected over the years, we are doing all we can to support those children and their families that we know about.

“We are working with Rochdale Council, the Council of Mosques and other partners to ensure that this type of behaviour is never repeated and our children are safe with those that we put our children in the care of.

“I would like to commend the bravery of those who came forward and spoke to police, I understand how difficult that must have been. Rauf will never be able to hurt another child in his care, and that is all thanks to those who spoke out against him.

Anyone who has been affected, should contact police with any concerns."

An NSPCC spokesman said: “This was a complete betrayal of trust by Rauf and it is right that he has been sentenced for his wickedness against children in a place of worship.

“These poor children had every right to the proper care expected from their religious leader but instead were met with violence and brutality.

“The NSPCC is visiting primary schools across Rochdale with its ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ service, empowering children to protect themselves from abuse and highlighting how to speak out if they ever experience it.”

Gail Hopper, Director of Children’s Services at Rochdale Council, said: “We are asking parents and other adults to remain vigilant, ask the right questions and importantly, to listen and support children who tell them about things that have happened that shouldn’t.

"We all share responsibility to take action that effectively protects all children. If we fail to listen to children and address their concerns, they are likely to stop telling us when such things happen.

"We ask anyone with such concerns to contact us to seek advice and enable the council and police to look in to the issue."

Contact:

lado@rochdale.gov.uk
0300 3030350

Or phone the police on 101.