Private tutor molested Muslim girls as young as eight while he taught them about the Koran

 

Detective Constable Alex Dodd, from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) 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.'

As well as being jailed Iqbal will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and restraining orders for his victims and their families.