ABDUL RAAF ABDUL-SALAM JAILED IN LUTON FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In June 2009, a disturbing case emerged involving Abdul Rauf Abdul-Salam, a care worker based in Luton, who was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl under his care. The incident took place at a residential children's home in Mid-Bedfordshire, where Abdul-Salam was employed to look after vulnerable children. The court heard that during a seemingly innocent game of Connect 4, Abdul-Salam engaged in inappropriate and criminal behavior towards a 13-year-old girl.

The offence occurred on March 15 of the previous year, within the confines of the home's lounge. According to the victim, Abdul-Salam kissed her breasts, licked them, and attempted to kiss her face while they were seated on a sofa playing the game. The girl, who was under his supervision, described feeling uncomfortable and distressed by his actions. Her testimony was supported by forensic evidence, as police investigations revealed that Abdul-Salam's DNA was found on her right breast, confirming the physical contact.

Abdul-Salam, a Nigerian-born man aged 55, resides on Bollingbroke Road in Luton. He is married and has three adult children. Throughout the legal proceedings, he maintained his innocence, denying the allegations and claiming that the incident was unplanned. His defense lawyer, Guy Bowden, argued that the events of that day were accidental and that Abdul-Salam's reputation had been unfairly tarnished, leading to the loss of his job and standing in the community.

However, the court was not convinced by his defense. Judge Geoffrey Breen, presiding over the case at Luton Crown Court, emphasized the gravity of the offense. In his sentencing remarks, he stated, “You were in a position of trust in relation to her and you abused that trust.” The judge also highlighted the victim's vulnerability, noting that she had previously suffered sexual abuse and was therefore particularly susceptible to exploitation.

As a result of his conviction, Abdul-Salam was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. The court also disqualified him from working with children indefinitely, recognizing the serious breach of trust and the potential risk to other children. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors and the severe consequences faced by those who abuse their positions of authority.