MOHAMMED SADIQ JAILERD IN CARDIFF FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS

A mosque teacher in Cardiff, Mohammed Sadiq, who sexually assaulted young girls during Quran study sessions at the Madina Mosque, has been sentenced to prison. Sadiq, who taught at the mosque for over 30 years, denied 15 counts of indecent and sexual assault. However, after a trial, a jury found him guilty of all but one count. The presiding judge, Sir Stephen Hopkins QC, stated: "You have not and are still not showing any remorse at all for what you did. You appear to have no understanding of the harm and humiliation you inflicted on four young children, as they were." Sadiq was sentenced to 13 years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court, with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order also imposed.

Prosecutor Suzanne Thomas opened the case by saying: "It was while he was teaching at the mosque, the prosecution say, that the defendant took advantage of his position." The court learned that Sadiq, then a member of the mosque on Woodville Road in Cathays before it was destroyed by fire in 2006, fostered an environment where physical punishment was commonplace. Ms. Thomas added: "In addition to attending for worship, he was involved in other aspects of running the mosque, including serving as treasurer. He also taught Quran studies to primary school children after school."

During court proceedings, it was revealed that boys and girls in his classes would call Sadiq "uncle" as a sign of respect. The allegations involved four victims and date back to a period between 1996 and 2006. Sadiq, of Lake East Road in Cyncoed, was convicted of six counts of indecent assault and eight counts of sexual assault.

Mike Jenkin of the Crown Prosecution Service commented: "These women have shown remarkable courage in coming forward to speak about the abuse they suffered at the hands of Mohammed Haj Sadiq when they were young girls. Sadiq was a respected figure in the community with considerable influence, which makes the bravery of his victims all the more admirable." He added that the evidence enabled the prosecution to present a compelling case leading to the convictions.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Cronick from South Wales Police said: "Mohammed Sadiq abused his position of trust within the community he served. The recent verdict demonstrates the extent of Sadiq's offending and the devastating impact on his victims. These four young women showed great courage in coming forward to recount their experiences and endure the court process. As a result, I believe members of the community may now feel more confident to speak with police or support agencies. Anyone with information or concerns should contact the NSPCC helpline at 0808 800 5000 or South Wales Police at 101, referencing case number 1600442164. Investigating sexual violence remains a priority, and all allegations of non-recent sexual abuse will be thoroughly investigated. Support agencies are available for anyone seeking assistance, and South Wales Police can guide victims directly to them. Our commitment is to protect victims and potential victims, supporting those affected by this case or any other circumstances.

An NSPCC spokesperson stated: "This was an appalling breach of trust, and Sadiq rightly received a significant prison sentence for these heinous offences. He abused his authority and the faith placed in him to carry out multiple sexual assaults against vulnerable children. The impact on his victims has been profound, both at the time and since, but it is thanks to their bravery that justice has been served. It is crucial that those who have suffered child sexual abuse know where to seek support and feel confident that their voices will be heard, regardless of how much time has passed."