Rochdale Imam jailed for beating children

Tuesday, 3 July 2018 16:00

A Rochdale Imam has been jailed after beating children attending his study classes.

Abdul Rauf, 51, of Sussex Street, Rochdale has been jailed for one year and five months after pleading guilty to a section 47 and a section 39 assault against two boys aged 10 and 12 and a further 19 section 39 assaults on unidentified children.

On 3 October 2018, police received a report that two boys had been assaulted at a teaching centre affiliated to a Mosque on Crawford Street in Rochdale by their Imam, Abdul Rauf.

Police launched an investigation and seized CCTV from inside the teaching centre.

Whilst viewing the CCTV, police say they saw Rauf assaulting many children whilst they were in his study class.

The assaults were never reported to police, however the CCTV evidence enabled police to charge Rauf for the offences which had not been reported.

Inspector Phil Key from GMP’s Rochdale borough said: “Abdul Rauf is a nasty, bully of a man who beat the children in his classes until it became normalised.

“The children were left cowering and holding onto their ears, their arms and their legs after he repeatedly used violence as a punishment.

“The parents of the children had no idea that they were leaving their children in the care of a man who would leave them writhing in pain and covered in marks and bruises.

“Rauf left the children intimidated and afraid to tell their parents about his bullying tactics.

“I dread to think how many children’s lives he has affected over the years, we are doing all we can to support those children and their families that we know about.

“We are working with Rochdale Council, the Council of Mosques and other partners to ensure that this type of behaviour is never repeated and our children are safe with those that we put our children in the care of.

“I would like to commend the bravery of those who came forward and spoke to police, I understand how difficult that must have been. Rauf will never be able to hurt another child in his care, and that is all thanks to those who spoke out against him.”

More from Local and National News

City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.
Leeds City Council to launch review on taxi vehicle condition standards

Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee is to embark on a review of vehicle condition standards for hackney and private hire vehicles, following updates to national guidance.
Man Named After Fatal Road Traffic Collision, Leeds Road, Bradford

Police have named the man who died after a road traffic collision on Leeds Road in Bradford last week.
Over £4,000 raised for Mental Health Charity in Bradford

Visitors to the stunning Van Gogh Alive UK exhibition in Bradford donated more than £4,000 to Mind in Bradford.
Bradford Clean Air Zone and the results of traffic flow monitoring

The Bradford Clean Air Zone has been live since September 2022 and is operating to improve air quality in the district by deterring the most polluting vehicles from entering the zone.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm