Former Sikh leader used his position to sexually abuse girls in Hertfordshire
A former Sikh leader used his position to sexually abuse victims, with some of his attacks happening at a gurdwara.
Makhan Singh Mauji, aged 71, of North Priors Court in Northampton, has been jailed for more than 24 years after admitting sexually assaulting three girls in the 1980s.
The crimes happened in Hitchin between 1983 and 1987 at several places in the town, including at a gurdwara. The victims were aged eight to 14 years old at the time.
Mauji was a Granthi (a religious leader) and used his position to abuse his victims in their own homes and in a Sikh temple.
During sentencing, Judge Hurst commented that Mauji occupied a privileged position and was welcomed into the homes of the community, but instead of having the welfare of his community at heart, Mauji saw this position through sexually predatory eyes.
Judge Hurst said Mauji had inflicted deep, emotional scars using a significant breach of trust.
A representative from the local Sikh community said: "On behalf of the local Hitchin (and surrounding areas) Sikh community, we commend the judge for passing a sentence to match the severity of the crimes that this opportunistic predator admitted to committing, whilst in a position of trust as the local Granthi some 40 years ago.
"It is important to support one another and ensure that all communities remain vigilant and proactively call out such abhorrent behaviour, taking advantage of the vulnerable and meek.
"We hope that the vulnerable victims are able to have some solace and admire their extraordinary courage and strength in bringing this evil individual to justice."
Det Con Elizabeth McGrath said: “Firstly I just want to commend the victims for their incredible bravery to come forward and speak of their experiences of Mauji’s offending. Without them, Mauji would never have answered for his crimes.
“This sentence hopefully paves the way for some closure for our victims, knowing that a sexual predator like Mauji will remain in prison for years.”
Mauji admitted his crimes four days into a trial at Cambridge Crown Court on 14 November.
He has been sentenced for 11 counts of indecent assault, one attempted rape and two counts of indecency with a child.
He was sentenced to a total of 24 years and two months in prison, subject to licence provisions. He was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be placed on the Sexual Offenders’ Register for life.
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