ABUL MARIN, WELLINGBOROUGH IMAM, JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Wellingborough and the wider Northamptonshire area, Abdul Marin, a 41-year-old imam, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving two young girls he was supposed to be teaching about the Koran. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned several years, leading to his eventual sentencing and a significant impact on the local Muslim community.

Abdul Marin, who resided on Albert Road in Wellingborough, was found guilty at Northampton Crown Court of seven counts of sexual assault. The incidents took place over a period from 2007 to 2010, during which Marin engaged in inappropriate and criminal behavior towards the two girls, whose identities remain protected under legal provisions. The court heard that Marin had touched the children sexually, kissed them, and at times, forced one of them onto his lap during religious lessons, actions that constitute serious violations of trust and personal boundaries.

The case came to light after one of the children confided in a school teacher about the inappropriate classes. This disclosure prompted an investigation by the police, who subsequently arrested Marin. During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Marin had repeatedly engaged in these acts, which he consistently denied, claiming that the children had fabricated the allegations. His defense argued that the accusations were part of a conspiracy orchestrated by the children’s families, who allegedly threatened to falsely accuse him of misconduct to prevent him from reprimanding their children for poor behavior in class.

Prosecutor Rebecca Herbert described Marin’s conduct as a betrayal of the trust placed in him as a religious tutor. She stated, “You thought you would be completely above suspicion, you thought you could get away with it, get away with touching these children.” The court was told that Marin had visited the home of one of the girls multiple times a week to provide religious instruction, during which the abuse occurred. Both girls reported to their parents that Marin was physically affectionate in a manner that made them uncomfortable, and they expressed their desire to cease lessons with him. The lessons ended in 2010, but the allegations only surfaced after one of the girls watched a video about bullying and sexual abuse at school, which prompted her to speak out.

When questioned by police, Marin maintained his innocence, claiming that the accusations were false and that the girls’ families were fabricating the story. He stated through a Bengali interpreter that the allegations were part of a conspiracy against him, and he expressed his distress over the situation, saying, “I teach children who could say something like that.”

The jury took approximately two and a half hours to reach a unanimous verdict, convicting Marin on all counts. Judge Michael Fowler, addressing the court before sentencing, highlighted the gravity of the crimes, noting the breach of trust and the vulnerability of the victims. He warned Marin to prepare for a custodial sentence, emphasizing that given the circumstances, a prison term was likely.

The case has caused division within the Wellingborough Muslim community, with many members feeling the impact of the allegations and subsequent conviction. The victims and their families have reportedly been shunned at the town’s mosque, reflecting the deep societal and communal repercussions of this disturbing case. The court has adjourned sentencing to allow for reports to be prepared, and Marin remains on bail pending his next court appearance.