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Ex-Imam jailed for life for raping female worshippers in east London
Abdul Halim Khan, a former imam in east London, was convicted of 21 sexual offences against seven women and girls spanning 2004 to 2015. He was found guilty in February 2026 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years on May 14, 2026 at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Why It Matters
The case underscores accountability for abuse by trusted community leaders and highlights the importance of listening to survivors and protecting women and children from predatory behaviour.
Timeline
3 Events
Sentencing: life imprisonment with minimum term set
May 14, 2026
At a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Justice Leslie Cuthbert sentenced Abdul Halim Khan to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years before he can be considered for parole.
Jury finds Khan guilty on multiple counts
February 2026
In February 2026, the jury found him guilty of nine counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, five counts of rape of a child under 13, and one count of assault by penetration, after a long investigation spanning more than a decade.
Police become aware of Khan's crimes and launch investigation
February 2018
The Metropolitan Police became aware of Khan's alleged crimes in February 2018 when the youngest victim reported the matter to a teacher at her school, prompting a police investigation that interviewed more than 50 witnesses and reviewed numerous devices.