Imam molested a boy after allowing him to smoke in mosque, court hears
The boy complained to religious leaders over 25 years later - but contacted police when he felt fobbed off
An imam molested a boy after allowing him to smoke in a mosque, a court heard yesterday.
The boy lodged a complaint to religious leaders over 25 years later - but contacted police when he felt fobbed off.
Mohammed Rabani, now 61, pleaded not guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to three charges of indecent assault over five years.
Prosecutor David Outterside said the boy often studied and prayed into the night at the mosque, in accordance with Islamic faith.
When caught smoking, the lad's dad asked the imam to "straighten him out", but instead he was allowed to chuff away in the holy building's attic - where he was abused.
The prosecutor added: "The boy looked up to him as a spiritual leader and mentor. He kept the secret.
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"As he got older, his perspective plainly changed."
When he returned to the city after living away, the alleged victim was disturbed to discover Rabani was still the imam of the mosque in Sneinton, Nottingham.
But the defendant tried to dismiss any contact as "just joking around".
The trial continues.