VICTIM ‘TRIED TO KILL HERSELF’

One of Sadiq’s victims tried to kill herself following the abuse she suffered as a child, the court heard.

In a personal statement read out during the hearing, the woman said: “I now wish to talk about how this has affected my life.

“I was always nervous around people and I do not have a lot of confidence.

“At the time, I thought it was only happening to me and I could not talk to my mum due to cultural issues. I feel I had an unhappy childhood. I feel he totally ruined it. Sometimes I sit down and dwell on the abuse I suffered. I have suffered from depression and tried to take my own life. I have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder by my doctor.

“I feel I kept this deep, dark secret for a long time. It is hard to put into words how this abuse has affected me. I often have flashbacks. My body didn’t feel like mine anymore and I didn’t feel comfortable looking at my body.

“This man put fear in me. I didn’t feel safe in a place where I should have been safe and I have been fearful of him for most of my life.

“I felt intimidated looking at him in court and I was trembling as I gave my evidence.”

Another victim said: “Since the conviction, I have had nightmares and woken throughout the night.

“Because of my faith and culture, it was a difficult choice [to speak out], but I wanted to make sure I could prevent anyone else from being abused. I am just happy that this man was convicted for what he did.”