Imam sexually abused girls then threatened them with ‘black magic’

From The Telegraph

An imam sexually abused young girls and then threatened them with black magic if they spoke out, a court heard.

Abdul Halim Khan, 54, abused victims as young as 12 after persuading them to meet him in isolated places between 2004 and 2015.

Khan told his victims they would be possessed by a jinn, a supernatural spirit in Islam, Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London was told.

He also threatened them with “black magic” if they told friends or family what he had done.

The imam was finally arrested after his youngest victim reported him to a teacher at her school in 2017.

Metropolitan Police detectives interviewed more than 50 witnesses as part of their investigation into Khan, of Bethnal Green.

He repeatedly denied the allegations, claiming the victims had all conspired against him.

He was convicted of 21 charges of rape and sexual assault as well as child sexual offences against seven women and girls.

Khan was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on May 14.