A UK court on Friday found Abdul Halim Khan guilty and convicted him of sexual offences, including raping 12-year-old girls.

“Abdul Halim Khan, 54, of Old Forde Road, London, was found guilty of 21 offences, including nine counts of rape,” UK Metro Police announced in a statement on Saturday.

The police said that for over 11 years—between 2004 and 2015—Mr Khan “abused his position as a respected faith leader within the local community, pretending to have spiritual powers to coerce and sexually abuse girls as young as 12. He manipulated the victims, threatening harm to their families in an attempt to continue his extensive offending.”

Mr Khan was found guilty of nine counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault of a child under thirteen, five counts of rape of a child under thirteen and one count of assault by penetration. 

The cleric has been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 14 May.

Sara Yems, the detective sergeant who led the investigation into Mr Khan’s crimes, said, “It shows remarkable strength for anyone to report abuse, especially when the abuser is believed to be a trusted figure. The seven women who came forward have shown extraordinary courage in speaking with police, and I hope they serve as an inspiration to other victims and survivors.”