MOHAMMED ISLAM FROM BETHNAL GREEN SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN EAST LONDON

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Bethnal Green and the wider East London area, Mohammed Islam, a 31-year-old Islamic studies teacher, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for the heinous sexual abuse of a young girl. The disturbing series of events unfolded over a period of five years, beginning in 2010 when the victim was only nine years old, and culminating in a tragic incident last July when Islam raped her, resulting in her becoming pregnant.

Islam’s crimes were only uncovered after the girl chose to delay her abortion in order to establish paternity, a decision that ultimately led to the revelation of the full extent of his abuse. The victim, now 14, was from West London, and her ordeal was characterized by a pattern of grooming and exploitation that persisted for nearly half a decade. During the trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Islam was accused of initiating sexual contact with the girl, but he initially denied the allegations. However, on the first day of the proceedings, he admitted to raping the girl and engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

The court heard how Islam, respected within his community as a religious man who taught children the Koran, had exploited his position of trust. Prosecutor Robert Brown presented evidence indicating that the profile of the fetus matched Islam’s DNA, confirming his paternity. The victim’s family expressed profound distress over the impact of the abuse, with her father’s impact statement describing the emotional pain inflicted upon his daughter and the damage to her future prospects. He lamented that her innocence had been lost and expressed fears about her ability to marry and start a family, given the religious and cultural implications of her assault.

Judge Sarah Paneth, presiding over the case, dismissed Islam’s attempt to justify his actions by claiming that a nine-year-old could have “instigated any sexual activity.” She emphasized the breach of trust involved, noting that Islam’s role as a teacher and community figure made his actions particularly egregious. The judge highlighted the long-term harm caused to the young girl and condemned Islam’s lack of remorse, stating that he appeared more concerned about the impact on himself than on his victim.

In addition to the prison sentence, Islam was handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and was placed on the sex offender register. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, raising concerns about safeguarding and the vulnerability of children in environments where trust is paramount. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the need for justice to be served for the young girl who endured such profound betrayal.