Islamic teacher Hafez Ashraf Uddin found guilty of multiple sexual assault offences at Ipswich Crown Court

A 70-year-old man who abused his position as an Islamic teacher has been found guilty of sexually assaulting six girls aged between seven and 14.

Hafez Ashraf Uddin, of Wivenhoe Road, Barking, in London, was found guilty of 13 counts of indecent assault at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, following a trial lasting almost four weeks.

The offences he stood trial for took place between 1985 and 1999 and related to when he was teaching Islam, in Ipswich.

Uddin was accused of 22 counts of indecent assault in total, relating to seven girls.

He was found guilty of 13 offences and not guilty of the other nine.

The offences included Uddin putting his hand inside one of the victim’s trousers, and multiple offences of either touching or squeezing the girls’ breasts.

Four of the charges he was found guilty of were multiple offending counts.

This means a single charge comprised at least five assaults, so the total number of assaults was at least 29.

Uddin has been remanded in custody pending a sentencing hearing to be held at Ipswich Crown Court, on July 28.

Suffolk Police said it recognised the impact the case would have on the community Uddin served.

Officers have been helping anyone with concerns to access advice and specialist support.

Any further reports can be made to the South Safeguarding Investigation Unit via 101, quoting Operation Picton and reference: 37/CJ/667/18.

Alternatively, reports can be made via the Suffolk Police website - here.

Support for victims is available via the following organisations:

The Ferns Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service: The Ferns Centre

Survivors in Transition: SiT Overview | Survivors In Transition.