A former Indian imam in east London who was convicted of sexually abusing female worshippers by exploiting his position as a religious leader has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Abdul Halim Khan was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday after being found guilty of 21 sexual offences committed against seven women and girls between 2004 and 2015. Justice Leslie Cuthbert ordered that the 54-year-old must serve a minimum of 20 years before becoming eligible for parole. The Metropolitan Police said Khan falsely claimed to possess spiritual powers and used those claims to manipulate and sexually abuse girls as young as 12. The court heard that Khan targeted women and girls from the Bangladeshi Muslim community in Tower Hamlets because of his influence in the area and the shame victims might feel in reporting sexual abuse. Investigators said he used his role as an imam at a local mosque to gain the victims’ trust before arranging meetings in isolated locations and at their homes. During the abuse, he falsely claimed they were possessed or disguised as a Djinn or supernatural spirit. “Abdul Khan presented himself as a respectable man who could be trusted. However, this was far from the truth, and he instead preyed upon and took advantage of others,” said Met Police Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan. Melissa Garner, Specialist Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said, “Abdul Halim Khan abused his position as a trusted religious leader to prey on women and girls over many years, manipulating and controlling them for his own sexual gratification.” “He used their deeply held beliefs to instil fear and silence them, making them believe their families would be at risk if they ever spoke out.” “I hope this prosecution sends a clear message that the Crown Prosecution Service will work tirelessly to protect women and girls and bring anyone who commits these appalling crimes to justice,” she added. According to investigators, the victims believed harm would come to them or their families through so-called “black magic” if they reported the abuse, which prevented them from speaking out for years. Police identified more victims after the investigation began, while the CPS said it worked closely with investigators to build a case covering more than a decade of offences. To help the jury understand references to Djinn and black magic, the CPS appointed a cultural expert to provide context during the trial. Victims were also given special measures while giving evidence, including pre-recorded cross-examinations. One survivor said in a statement released by the Met Police: “After eight long years, I am relieved that justice has been served. But even with this outcome, the trauma does not simply disappear.” “The scars remain, and healing is a lifelong journey. Speaking out was terrifying, but it has also been a step toward reclaiming my strength.” “I hope that my coming forward encourages other survivors to know they are not alone, that they are never to blame, and that what happened to them truly matters. I also hope this outcome reminds society and institutions of the importance of listening to survivors, taking action to protect children, and ensuring that abuse is never ignored.” The Met Police said the investigation began in February 2018 after the youngest victim disclosed the abuse to a teacher at her school. Officers later interviewed more than 50 witnesses and examined 10 mobile phone devices. During questioning, Khan denied all allegations and claimed the accusations were part of a conspiracy and an act of revenge. In February this year, the jury convicted him on 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. (With inputs from PTI)