Imam Jailed for Decades of Child Abuse

A London-based imam, Qari Sher Mohammad, 61, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually abusing four young girls over a period of almost a decade. The crimes were committed while he was in a position of religious authority at a mosque in Chatham, Kent, highlighting a gross abuse of trust.

Mohammad, from Woodford Road, Forest Gate, London, served as the imam at the Muslim Community Centre on Thorold Road in Chatham. His predatory behavior first came to light in 2018 when a victim reported him to Kent Police. The investigation into this initial report, which detailed sexual touching between March 2014 and October 2016, was initially halted due to concerns over the young victim's welfare during a trial.

However, Mohammad continued his pattern of abuse, assaulting three more children between May 2022 and December 2023. This led to his arrest on December 11, 2023. At this point, police re-contacted the initial victim, who was now an adult and was prepared to cooperate with the prosecution.

Trial and Conviction

During the trial at Canterbury Court, Mohammad pleaded not guilty, denying the charges and claiming he would not have committed the acts due to his "fear of God." Despite his plea, the court heard compelling evidence from the victims. Mohammad had allegedly singled out the girls for "extra attention," which included hugging, kissing them on the lips, and touching them under or over their clothing. One victim stated he massaged her chest, telling her it would help her physical development, while another described being hugged "too tight" and having his hand placed "all the way up" her clothing.

On March 7, 2025, Mohammad was convicted on 16 counts of sexual touching of a child. Following the conviction, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on September 12, 2025. In addition to his prison term, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order will be imposed for five years upon his release.

Police Statement

Detective Constable Conor Middleton of Kent Police commended the victims and their families for their bravery. He emphasized that Mohammad was in a position of trust and that his actions were an appalling betrayal. "The children showed immense courage by reporting his actions," he stated. "Mohammad is now serving a prison sentence and he should reflect on his actions and the impact they had on these vulnerable victims."