Islamic school teacher sexually abused children over 22 years

Dominic Gover , Senior reporter Tuesday, June 12, 2012
3:57 PM

A teacher at an Islamic school committed a string of child sex crimes over 22 years.

At Harrow Crown Court, Hasnain Manji admitted seven counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, six counts of sexual activity with a boy and two counts of indecent assault.

The first crime happened as long ago as November 1989, when Manji attacked a 12-year-old boy. The victim is now in his 30s.

Manji, from Hertfordshire, continued to prey on children until finally being exposed by a victim he abused in the 10 months up until May 2011.

Scotland Yard got involved when the child’s mother contacted them, after being told of the abuse.

Manji was a tutor at weekends for several years at the Islamic Centre in Stanmore.

Last Friday (June 8), he was jailed for five years and placed for life on the child sex register.

London24.com contacted the school at which Manji was a tutor. Nobody was available to comment.

Detective Constable Rachel Snow, of the Met Police’s child abuse investigation command, said: “This man waited until these young boys were alone before assaulting them whilst they were vulnerable.

“The first two victims suffered in silence for many years trying to put what happened to them at the back of their minds. I commend the bravery of the victims for coming forward. Justice has been done as this man received his sentence, ensuring that no other innocent child shall suffer in his hands in the future.”

Police fear more victims of Manji may have not reported abuse. A special hotline has been set up by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Call: 0808 800 5000.

London24 contacted the Islamic Centre in Stanmore and is awaiting a statement.