Brent charity worker jailed for sexually abusing underage girls

A charity chief officer from Brent has been jailed for sexually abusing three underage girls more than 30 years ago.

Zafar Iqbal was finally brought to justice after his victims reported him to the police two years ago.

The 61-year-old carried out his depraved acts on the youngsters, all aged under 14, at addresses in Peckham, south London, during the late 1970’s and 1980’s.

The abuse only ended when he got married and moved away.

An investigation was launched after his victims came forward and last August he was arrested and charged with 45 counts of indecent assault.

He was convicted of 25 counts at Woolwich Crown Court in April and sentenced to seven-and-a-half years yesterday.

Detective Constable Martin Sharp, investigating officer, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to praise the three young women that Iqbal abused and highlight their courage in coming forwarding and reporting to the police Iqbal’s crimes.

“The support they gave the investigating officers during this investigation was instrumental bringing Iqbal to justice today.

“Zafer Iqbal no doubt thought the passage of time meant that he had escaped justice for the appalling offences he committed against three small children. I hope that his conviction and sentence gives other victims of sexual abuse confidence to come forward.”