A private teacher who sexually assaulted five children has been jailed for 11 years. Umair Iqbal preyed on youngsters aged between eight and 18 over a decade while tutoring them in maths and the Koran.
The 38-year-old from Lecester Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, regularly attended the homes of his victims to conduct scheduled lessons. He must also serve three years on licence after his release and is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Conviction follows lengthy trial
Iqbal was sentenced on Thursday at Manchester Crown Court following a four-week trial last month where he was convicted by a jury of 29 out of 30 counts of sexual assault. Restraining orders have also been imposed for his victims and their families.
Police first launched inquiries in October 2020 when a 15-year-old victim came forward after years of believing the abuse was her own fault. A subsequent investigation revealed four more victims, including one girl who had been abused from the age of eight.
Trust exploited in community
Detective Constable Alex Dodd from Greater Manchester Police said all five victims were young Muslim girls from good families, abused by a person in a position of trust. "Iqbal befriended families and used the good reputation of a community to hide behind his sordid sexual agenda," he said.
The victims were silenced through fear of getting in trouble or being blamed for the abuse. Dodd praised the determination of all five victims and their families during the lengthy investigation and distressing four-week trial.
Multi-agency investigation praised
The detective highlighted the collaborative work of Rochdale's complex safeguarding team in securing justice. The multi-agency approach involves Greater Manchester Police officers, children's services, youth workers, social workers, health professionals, housing officers and public protection services.
Police have encouraged anyone who feels they may have been subjected to Iqbal's behaviour to come forward and report it on 101 quoting Operation Ganister. The case demonstrates the ongoing efforts to investigate child sexual exploitation and bring offenders to justice.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
