An Imam who sexually abused women and girls as young as 12 after he convinced them he had magical cancer curing power has been jailed.

Over the course of 11 years, Abdul Halim Khan, a respected faith leader based in Tower Hamlets, east London, carried out his attacks against multiple women and girls.

Today, he was handed a minimum sentence of at least 20 years after he was found guilty of raping and sexual assaulting seven victims.  

The 54-year-old told his victims they would be possessed by a Jinn - a supernatural spirit in Islam - and claimed rape could cure cancer.

He also warned the women and girls that he would use 'black magic' if they revealed his crimes to family or friends. 

His sexual abuse of his victims finally came to light when his youngest victim reported him to a teacher at her school in 2017.

An investigation was launched by the Metropolitan Police during which more than 50 witnesses were interviewed.

Khan, of Bethnal Green, east London, repeatedly denied the allegations claiming the victims had all conspired against him.

Today, he was convicted of 21 charges of rape and sexual assault as well as child sexual offences against seven women and girls at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

The attacks took place between 2004 and 2015.

Judge Leslie Cuthbert said Khan's convictions had 'unmasked' him for his 'cunning, obscene manipulation, and uncaring selfishness'.

The judge told the court: 'You took monstrous advantage of women who trusted you. You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted seven females.

'You behaved as if you were untouchable. You were confident they would not overcome the shame they would be exposed to by reporting you.'

Witnesses described Khan as 'God-like' as he twisted Islamic teachings to gratify himself sexually.

Judge Cuthbert added that continued support from family and friends, and an attack in prison, did not give Khan any mitigation.

Khan has not shown 'one iota' of remorse or acceptance of his crimes, the judge added.

Judge Cuthbert said: 'You continue to represent a grave danger to girls and women, especially those who are alone with you, and because members of the community continue to hold you in high esteem following the verdicts.'

Handing him a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years, Judge Cuthbert told Khan: 'There is no guarantee you will be released.'

The judge also thanked the victims, the police, and lawyers for bringing Khan to justice.

'I recognise the courage, patience, and resilience of the victims and their families,' he said, 'I note the comment of one victim that 'Justice does not erase trauma'. But I hope you will be able to reach some sort of closure.'

One of the victims also thanked the Met's investigation team for restoring their trust.

She said: 'The abuse I suffered as a child has had a profound and lasting impact on my life.

'What happened to me did not end when the abuse stopped, it affected my sense of safety, my ability to trust others, and the way I understood relationships and authority.

'Someone who should never have harmed me violated that trust, and the effects of that betrayal have stayed with me for many years and I continue to carry that trauma with me.

'Like many survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I lived with shame, fear, and confusion that were not mine to carry.'

She added that a loss of trust in 'people in systems, and at times in myself' had shaped much of her adult life.

The victim continued: 'Coming forward was an extremely difficult decision. Speaking about what happened meant revisiting painful memories and facing emotions I had tried to suppress for years.

'However, being listened to, believed, and treated with dignity throughout the investigation helped restore some of the trust that had been taken from me.

'I am grateful to the Metropolitan Police officers who handled my case with care, professionalism, and sensitivity.

'I hope this outcome acknowledges not only the abuse itself, but the deep and lasting harm it causes.

'I also hope it encourages other survivors of childhood sexual abuse to know that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and that what happened to them matter, regardless of how much time has passed.'

Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, who led the investigation, said: 'It shows remarkable strength for anyone to report abuse, especially when the abuser is believed to be a trusted figure. The seven women who came forward have shown extraordinary courage in speaking with police and I hope they serve as inspiration to other victims and survivors.

'While nothing will undo the harm suffered by these women - yesterday's conviction will hopefully offer a small measure of comfort. I'd like to thank the dedicated team of Met officers who left no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.

'We remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous offenders and removing them from London's streets.'

Melissa Garner, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Abdul Halim Khan a former Imam abused his position of trust and authority to carry out a vicious series of rapes and sexual abuses against seven victims including three vulnerable teenage girls.

'Khan coerced and deceived them into thinking that he possessed supernatural powers which could protect them and their families from harm in exchange for hideous acts of sexual abuse without their consent.

'The lifelong physical and emotional trauma caused to victims by men like Khan cannot be understated.

'We would like to thank the victims in this case for coming forward and reporting this devastating crime. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that the CPS will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually exploit women and children, whenever that abuse took place.

'I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes committed against them to the police. You are not alone and there is always help available.'