Predatory Tutor Jailed for 14 Years in Manchester

Umair Iqbal, a private teacher of maths and the Quran, preyed on five victims—young girls and women aged between eight and 18—during a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020. The offences took place in the victims' homes, where Iqbal was welcomed and trusted by their families to provide education.

The full sentence handed down to Iqbal is 14 years, consisting of 11 years in prison, of which he must serve two-thirds, followed by a further three years on extended license. He is also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining orders that protect his victims and their families.

The investigation, led by Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Rochdale complex safeguarding team, began in October 2020 when a 15-year-old victim bravely came forward. She had been subjected to the abuse for years, believing it was her own fault, before finding the courage to tell her family and police. This initial report led to a wider investigation, known as Operation Ganister, which uncovered four more victims, including one who was abused from the age of eight.

Detective Constable Alex Dodd from GMP highlighted Iqbal's manipulative tactics, stating, "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." Dodd added that Iqbal "befriended families and used the good reputation of a community to hide behind his sordid sexual agenda."

The successful prosecution of Iqbal is being hailed as a positive outcome for Rochdale's multi-agency safeguarding team, which includes officers, social workers, and other professionals working together to investigate child sexual exploitation and bring offenders to justice.

Detective Constable Dodd also thanked the victims and their families for their courage and determination throughout the lengthy investigation and trial, a process she described as "distressing." GMP is now encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Umair Iqbal's behavior to come forward and report it on 101, quoting Operation Ganister.