SAM CHAUDHRY, MERTON'S FORMER DEPUTY MAYOR, JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN MERTON

In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the community of Merton, Sam Chaudhry, the once-respected former deputy mayor, has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to multiple sexual offences involving young girls. The case, which has cast a long shadow over his political career, was heard at Kingston Crown Court last Friday, where Chaudhry appeared emotionless as he was led away from the dock following the sentencing.

Chaudhry, aged 70, who previously served as a councillor representing the Longthornton ward, faced a series of serious allegations that spanned over a decade. His downfall began after he resigned from his position last April, citing ill health, just months before his appointment as mayor-elect. The charges against him included four counts of indecent assault committed against two girls under the age of 16, with the offences taking place between January 1988 and December 2000.

Initially, Chaudhry pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of sexual abuse, which also included allegations involving another female between 1968 and 1972. However, during the course of the trial, after hearing the prosecution’s opening statements, he changed his plea to guilty on four of those counts. The remaining seven charges were ordered to be left on file, effectively dropping the case against him for those allegations.

Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson addressed the court, remarking on Chaudhry’s reputation prior to the allegations. “You have shown good character as a councillor and as deputy mayor of Merton. Indeed, you would have become mayor of Merton had these allegations not surfaced,” he stated. However, the judge also emphasized the seriousness of the offences and the defendant’s apparent concern primarily with his reputation. “You displayed grudging acceptance to the seriousness of what you did,” he added.

Chaudhry’s defense lawyer, Simon Connolly, argued that his client did not fully comprehend the wrongfulness of his actions at the time and requested the court consider his ill health when determining the sentence. Connolly stated, “He is a man who is not well. He is suffering personally and psychologically from this. A prison sentence for this man would be an ordeal. He’s had a lot to lose and has lost it all.”

In response, Judge McGregor-Johnson concluded that the offences warranted a custodial sentence. Chaudhry was sentenced to two years for each of the four counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. It is anticipated that he will serve approximately one year in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-prominent figure in Merton’s local government.