Iqbal took advantage of their trust to carry out sordid abuse
A private teacher who sexually assaulted girls over a 10-year period while tutoring them in maths and the Quran has been jailed for 11 years.
Umair Iqbal regularly attended the homes of five victims aged between eight and 18 for scheduled lessons.
The 38-year-old was convicted by a jury at Manchester Crown Court of 29 out of 30 counts of sexual assault. He will serve 11 years in prison, followed by three years on licence.
Iqbal, from Cheetham Hill, is also subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and restraining orders for his victims and their families.
He used his position as a tutor to befriend families and attend their homes to teach classes.
However, Iqbal took advantage of their trust to carry out sordid abuse on women and girls, using his position to manipulate the victims into silence.
Police began investigating in October 2020 when a 15-year-old victim came forward, believing for years that the abuse was her fault.
Detectives later identified four more victims, including one girl who was abused from the age of eight.
Detective Constable Alex Dodd, from Greater Manchester Police, said:
“All five victims were young Muslim girls from good families, abused by a person in a position of trust and silenced through fear of getting in trouble or being blamed for the abuse.
“Iqbal befriended families and used the good reputation of a community to hide behind his sordid sexual agenda.
“Securing justice for these victims is a positive outcome for Rochdale’s complex safeguarding team.”
“The multi-agency work we do in Rochdale is a collaborative force for good.
“It involves GMP officers, children’s services, youth workers, social workers, health professionals, housing officers and public protection services, all working together to investigate child sexual exploitation (CSE), safeguard victims, uncover the truth and bring offenders to justice.
“I would like to recognise and thank all five victims and their families for their determination during the lengthy investigation and four-week trial, which was a distressing process for them.
“We encourage anyone who feels they may have been subjected to Mr Iqbal’s behaviour to come forward and report it on 101 quoting Operation Ganister.”
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