Why it matters: Hafez Ashraf Uddin abused his position of trust in the community to commit at least 29 separate assaults on girls aged between seven and 14, with the offences only coming to light decades later when victims found the courage to report them.
The details: Uddin, of Wivenhoe Road, Barking in London, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday, 21 November, where he was sentenced following his conviction in June. He has also been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life and been made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He was found guilty of 13 counts of indecent assault at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 5 June, following a trial lasting almost four weeks.
He had stood accused of 22 counts in total, relating to seven girls, being found guilty of 13 offences and not guilty of the other nine.
Four of the charges he was convicted of were multiple offending counts, which means a single charge actually comprised at least five assaults.
The total number of separate assaults is at least 29.
The offences included Uddin putting his hand inside one of the victim's trousers, and multiple offences of either touching or squeezing the girls' breasts.
What they're saying: Detective Inspector Donna Hopper, of the South Safeguarding Investigation Unit, said: "Hafez Ashraf Uddin abused the respected position of trust that he held in the community and subjected these young girls to shocking assaults – some of them on multiple occasions.
"These assaults have had long-lasting impacts on the victims, who did not feel able or confident to report them at the time for a number of reasons.
"I hope this case demonstrates that despite the passage of time, it is never too late to achieve justice. We want victims to know that they will be heard and that will we investigate wherever it is possible for us to do so."
She added: "No doubt Uddin thought he had got away with his appalling crimes, but he hadn't counted on the resilience of the victims to speak out and ensure he was made to answer for his actions. He will now spend a significant amount of the remaining years of his life in prison."
For context: Suffolk Police recognises the impact that this case will have on the community that Uddin served, and officers have been liaising with partners to ensure anyone with concerns can access advice and specialist support.
Any further reports can be made to the South Safeguarding Investigation Unit via 101, quoting Operation Picton and reference: 37/CJ/667/18. Alternatively, reports can be made via the Suffolk Police website.
The bottom line: After years of silence, the survivors' bravery in coming forward has resulted in justice being served and a dangerous paedophile being put behind bars.
Support for victims is available via The Ferns Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service and Survivors in Transition.
