Mosque Teacher Beats 7-Year-Old Boy...

Leeds Crown Court heard the offence came to light in December 2012 when another boy told a teacher at school he did not want to do PE because his legs were sore

The mosque in Whitaker Street, Batley

A boy was too frightened to go to lessons in a mosque - because of a cruel teacher.

Now Arfaq Hussain has been jailed after a judge heard he chastised a young boy over his reading leaving him with bruises.

Hussain admitted a charge of cruelty after he used his knuckles to rap the seven-year-old around the knee area.

Leeds Crown Court heard the offence came to light in December 2012 when another boy told a teacher at school he did not want to do PE because his legs were sore.

Tony Kelbrick prosecuting said social services were involved and they spoke to that boy and to the seven-year-old who told them he had been hit at the Whitaker Street mosque in Batley by his teacher.

He was medically examined and on the side of his right knee was an unusual group of six blue coloured bruises. He also had some brown bruises on his left knee and thigh some appearing older.

A paediatrician said they did not appear to fit with accidental bruises and when the boy was questioned he said when he was at the mosque his teacher used his knuckles to hit him if he made mistakes.

He said his knees would be rapped and he would be told: “You’re not reading what you are supposed to be reading.”

The boy’s mother said a short time before that had come to light he had told her he did not want to go to the mosque. Hussain was identified as the person involved and he accepted he helped out the main teacher by keeping an eye on the children and reporting them if they were naughty.

Rebecca Young representing Hussain said he had been an assistant teacher at the mosque for three years and it was accepted by the prosecution his actions had happened only once.

“This was a momentary lapse of control by an otherwise caring father and teacher.” Hussain, 36 of Mavis Avenue, Dewsbury admitted cruelty and was jailed for 26 weeks.

Judge Tom Bayliss QC said the prosecution had accepted it was a “one off” offence. But he said the boy’s family had trusted he would be looked after at the mosque.

“They were entitled and the public is entitled to know that those who care for our children in whatever capacity, voluntary or paid, will not abuse them, will not injure them. You did injure him. It may have been only once but it was unforgiveable conduct towards a young and vulnerable child.”