MOHAMMED RAFIQUE FROM OXFORD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GIRL
| Red Rose Database
Oxford Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Oxford, Mohammed Rafique, a man known for his religious devotion and trusted position within the local Islamic community, has been sentenced to prison for a heinous sexual assault on an eight-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in June 2008, has taken years to bring to justice, with Rafique going on the run shortly after the attack and remaining a fugitive for over four years.
Rafique, aged 55 at the time of sentencing, originally arrived in the United Kingdom from Pakistan in 2004 as an illegal immigrant. His arrival was marked by the departure from his family in Pakistan, including his wife and five children, to seek a new life in Britain. During his time in Oxford, he was regarded by the local community and the girl’s family as a learned and devout religious man, often entrusted with teaching the Quran to children in the area.
The court heard that Rafique was responsible for instructing the young girl in her religious studies at her family’s residence in Cowley. However, beneath this facade of religious guidance, he committed a grave crime. On June 24, 2008, Rafique forcibly stripped the girl and sexually assaulted her. The assault was so severe that semen was later recovered from her underwear, confirming the sexual nature of the attack.
Following the assault, the girl ran from the room screaming and immediately informed her mother of what had happened. The incident caused a disturbance in the neighborhood, with community members gathering at the scene. When police arrived, they found Rafique bleeding and refusing to leave the premises. He reportedly told the parents, “It’s your children, they don’t respect anyone,” showing a dismissive attitude towards the serious allegations against him.
Initially, Rafique denied any sexual contact, claiming he had only hit the girl for not reading the Quran properly. He also stated that he had struck her without any sexual intent. However, evidence collected during the investigation, including the semen found in the girl’s underwear, proved the sexual assault beyond doubt.
Rafique was subsequently charged with one count of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. An alternative charge of attempted rape was considered but ultimately dropped. Throughout the legal proceedings, Rafique pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charge. His defense argued that he was a deeply religious man who had paid an agent to smuggle him into the UK, emphasizing his devout nature.
Judge Julian Hall sentenced Rafique to four years in prison, describing his actions as “disgraceful behaviour and a thorough breach of trust.” The judge also noted that Rafique’s conduct was particularly egregious given his position within the community and the trust placed in him by the girl’s family.
Since his conviction, Rafique has been considered for deportation, as he currently has no fixed address and is an illegal immigrant. The investigation was led by Detective Sergeant Sarah-Jayne Beedall, who praised the bravery of the young victim in coming forward. She expressed hope that the conviction would provide some measure of closure for the girl and her family.
Rafique had been on the run for several years, evading authorities after leaving Oxford while on bail. He was eventually traced earlier this year in Cardiff following an appeal on Crimewatch, with authorities believing he had traveled across various locations in the UK during his period of evasion. His case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice, especially those who abuse positions of trust within their communities.
Rafique, aged 55 at the time of sentencing, originally arrived in the United Kingdom from Pakistan in 2004 as an illegal immigrant. His arrival was marked by the departure from his family in Pakistan, including his wife and five children, to seek a new life in Britain. During his time in Oxford, he was regarded by the local community and the girl’s family as a learned and devout religious man, often entrusted with teaching the Quran to children in the area.
The court heard that Rafique was responsible for instructing the young girl in her religious studies at her family’s residence in Cowley. However, beneath this facade of religious guidance, he committed a grave crime. On June 24, 2008, Rafique forcibly stripped the girl and sexually assaulted her. The assault was so severe that semen was later recovered from her underwear, confirming the sexual nature of the attack.
Following the assault, the girl ran from the room screaming and immediately informed her mother of what had happened. The incident caused a disturbance in the neighborhood, with community members gathering at the scene. When police arrived, they found Rafique bleeding and refusing to leave the premises. He reportedly told the parents, “It’s your children, they don’t respect anyone,” showing a dismissive attitude towards the serious allegations against him.
Initially, Rafique denied any sexual contact, claiming he had only hit the girl for not reading the Quran properly. He also stated that he had struck her without any sexual intent. However, evidence collected during the investigation, including the semen found in the girl’s underwear, proved the sexual assault beyond doubt.
Rafique was subsequently charged with one count of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. An alternative charge of attempted rape was considered but ultimately dropped. Throughout the legal proceedings, Rafique pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charge. His defense argued that he was a deeply religious man who had paid an agent to smuggle him into the UK, emphasizing his devout nature.
Judge Julian Hall sentenced Rafique to four years in prison, describing his actions as “disgraceful behaviour and a thorough breach of trust.” The judge also noted that Rafique’s conduct was particularly egregious given his position within the community and the trust placed in him by the girl’s family.
Since his conviction, Rafique has been considered for deportation, as he currently has no fixed address and is an illegal immigrant. The investigation was led by Detective Sergeant Sarah-Jayne Beedall, who praised the bravery of the young victim in coming forward. She expressed hope that the conviction would provide some measure of closure for the girl and her family.
Rafique had been on the run for several years, evading authorities after leaving Oxford while on bail. He was eventually traced earlier this year in Cardiff following an appeal on Crimewatch, with authorities believing he had traveled across various locations in the UK during his period of evasion. His case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice, especially those who abuse positions of trust within their communities.