Community Leader Jailed for Shocking Child Sexual Abuse in Medway
A trusted community figure has been locked up for sexually assaulting children in Chatham, Medway. Qari Sher Mohammad preyed on four victims over nearly ten years, abusing his role as an imam to commit these awful crimes.
Alarming Allegations First Surface in 2018
Concerns about Mohammad’s behaviour arose in 2018 when a child revealed he had inappropriately touched her while acting as an imam at a mosque on Thorold Road. The abuse took place between March 2014 and October 2016. Although arrested and interviewed in April 2018, prosecutors initially dropped charges to protect the young girl from the trauma of a trial.
More Victims Come Forward – Conviction Follows
Between May 2022 and December 2023, Mohammad assaulted three more children. He was arrested again on 11 December 2023. During the renewed investigation, the first victim, now an adult, decided to back a police prosecution. Mohammad, 61, of Woodford Road, Forest Gate, London, denied all charges but was found guilty on 16 counts at Canterbury Court on 7 March 2025.
Sentenced to a Decade Behind Bars
On 12 September 2025, Mohammad was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He will also face a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years post-release.
Detective Constable Conor Middleton said: “This man was in a position of authority when these appalling offences were committed. The children showed immense courage by reporting his actions, and I commend them and their parents for assisting our investigation. Mohammad is now serving a prison sentence and should reflect on his actions and the impact they had on these vulnerable victims.”
