Overview
- Abdul Halim Khan, sentenced Thursday at Snaresbrook Crown Court, received life imprisonment with a 20-year minimum term.
- A jury in February found him guilty of 21 offences against seven victims, including nine rapes, five child rapes, four sexual assaults, two child sexual assaults, and one assault by penetration.
- Prosecutors said he posed as a trusted imam, claimed to be a jinn, and warned of harm through so-called black magic to coerce assaults and silence victims.
- The case began after the youngest victim told a teacher in February 2018, prompting a Met inquiry that interviewed over 50 witnesses and used a CPS cultural expert to explain jinn beliefs to jurors.
- Survivors described lasting trauma and police urged others to seek help, highlighting 24/7 sexual abuse support services.