Birmingham Father Accused of Child Abuse During Shed Quran Lessons
A Birmingham father-of-five stands accused of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 at his family home, where he conducted Quran lessons from a garden shed. Abdul Haq, 42, of Colonial Road in Bordesley Green, faces two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and two further counts of assault by penetration, all of which he denies.
Allegations and Court Proceedings
The alleged abuse is said to have occurred on multiple occasions between 2017 and 2020, while Haq ran religious classes several times a week from a shed in his garden, described in court as a makeshift mosque. Birmingham Crown Court heard that the alleged victim, one of his students, was abused in various rooms inside Haq's home, reportedly when his family was not present.
Prosecutor Jason Bartfeld KC argued that Haq would have been able to monitor when the coast was clear, alleging the abuse took place on ten or more occasions. He emphasized that such actions are typically not isolated incidents, stating in his closing remarks that people who commit these acts do not do so just once.
Defense and Evidence Presented
Haq, a tyre fitter with no prior convictions, denied all allegations, telling police he had never sexually abused the child and did not take them into his bedroom. He suggested the child might have been upset after he raised his voice during a lesson in the shed, noting the alleged victim turned red but he was not trying to cause distress.
The court learned that security cameras were installed in the property in 2018, including in the bedroom, allowing real-time viewing via mobile phones, though they were not recording at the time. Officers seized Haq's devices after his arrest in August 2020 but found no indecent images or illegal material.
Family and Character Testimonies
Haq's wife testified in his support, confirming the child had been inside the house before, including upstairs, and mentioned there were toys scattered around. Defense barrister Patrick Maggs suggested the complainant could have a strong imagination and argued it would be an extraordinary risk for abuse to occur given the busy household and camera system, even if family members were occasionally out.
Character statements described Haq as polite and a good neighbor, with his marriage dating back to 2002. Her Honour Judge Buckingham instructed the jury to focus on whose account they believed, as the case hinges on credibility.
Jury Deliberations and Ongoing Trial
The jury of five men and seven women deliberated for just over two hours before being sent home on Friday, April 10. They inquired about medical evidence for the alleged penetration, but were informed none existed and that all evidence had been presented. Deliberations are set to continue, with the outcome pending as the trial progresses.
