Imam is a ‘kind and pious’ man, court told

AN IMAM accused of sexually assaulting young girls while teaching Koran studies at a Cardiff mosque has been described as a “kind and pious” man by a former pupil.

Mohammed Saddique, 81, denies 15 counts of indecent and sexual assault which are alleged to have taken place at the Madina Mosque, where he taught for more than 30 years.

There are four complainants who claim Saddique sexually touched them when they were children while they read passages from the Koran, over a period between 1996 and 2006.

Saddique, who is standing trial, claims the claimants have been told to lie by factions of the Madina Mosque who were against him.

At his trial at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday, defence barrister Caroline Rees read out character statements about Saddique.

A statement from a former pupil of Saddique described him as a “respectful” man.

The statement said: “I have known Mr Saddique all my life and I have called him my second grandfather.

“I visited Mr Saddique and his family, they were fun memories and my family were welcome to visit any time.”

She added: “I have learnt many important views of Islam from Mr Saddique. His biggest attribute is he’s an incredibly pious man and is greatly respected.

“He would respectfully tap us on the head and the only time I was hugged by Mr Saddique was the day after my grandfather died, which was a great comfort to me.

“I have never felt the need to question Mr Saddique’s integrity and I have never seen a single moment or day that has seen him deviate from his beliefs or character.”

In her closing speech of the trial, prosecutor Suzanne Thomas told the jury that it would be unlikely that all four women were lying.

She said: “These four women have little or no recollection of each other or any knowledge about a dispute between two groups of men at the mosque.

“You have seen each of them give evidence and have assessed them, you must decided who is telling the truth and who is lying to you.

“Putting aside any grand idea of a mosque conspiracy, it would be a bit of a coincidence for four women to make such allegations about Mr Saddique.

She added: “Is it really being suggested this is a conspiracy to set up the defendant that began 10 years ago and involved four women who for some reason would agree to do that? A conspiracy that encourages young children to lie?

“This is an attempt by the defence to muddy the waters in this case, which should be clear. Don’t be fooled, stick to the evidence that will bring about a conviction for this defendant.”

In her final speech, Ms Rees told the jury that the onus was on the prosecution to prove that Saddique is guilty of the charges.

She said: “The defendant is 81, is an old man and has taught children for over 40 years, year in year out, thousands of children.

“Why would someone like him decide to behave in this way and sexually abuse children in a room of other children, all of whom may have had connections with someone in the mosque?

“It would be the most outrageously risky behaviour from a man who has been described as a gentle, a kind and pious man and respectful as women have testified to his character.”

The trial continues.