ASHRAF MIH, ILFORD AND MILE END TEACHER, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Ilford and Mile End, Ashraf Miah, a 38-year-old man residing on Joseph Street in Mile End, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls. The crimes, which spanned from 2005 to 2009, involved Miah abusing his position of trust as a teacher instructing children on the Koran.

Following a thorough investigation led by detectives from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, Miah’s criminal activities came to light after his arrest in November 2009. The initial charges involved allegations of sexual assault against two young girls. As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered evidence of additional victims, all of whom had been taught by Miah during lessons at his home and at other locations. This prompted a further arrest in January 2010, as more victims came forward and were identified.

In court, Miah faced a jury that found him guilty on all 13 counts of sexual assault. The court proceedings revealed that the offenses involved girls as young as four years old, highlighting the severity and disturbing nature of his crimes. On Friday, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Miah was sentenced to three years and three months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was prohibited from working with children in any capacity in the future.

The lead investigator, Detective Sergeant Martin Bird from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, expressed his dismay over the case, stating, “The tragedy of this case is that a highly respected member of the community took advantage of their position of trust. It goes to show that even if someone thinks they have got away with it at the time, young people are brave enough to come forward and testify at court.”

Since his conviction, Miah has been living in Ilford, Essex, where he was released from custody. His case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from those who seek to exploit their trust for personal gain.