Man pleads guilty to non-recent sexual offences

A man pleaded guilty yesterday (Thursday 14 November) in connection with non-recent sexual assaults.

Makhan Singh Mauji, aged 71, of North Priors Coury in Northampton, entered the pleas four days into a trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

Following a joint investigation by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit and the Hertfordshire Joint Child Protection Investigation Team, he pleaded guilty to:

• One count of attempted rape of a child under 16
• Two counts of gross indecency of a child under 14
• Eight counts of indecent assault against a child under 14
• Two counts of indecent assault against a child under 16

One charge of indecent assault against a child under 14 has been ordered to lie on file.

The incidents occurred in Hitchin between July 1983 and August 1987. They occurred at a number of places in the town, including at a Gurdwara.

Gurdwaras are the meeting places for Sikhs to assemble and worship. Mauji was a Granthi and used this position to abuse his victims. The court heard how he took advantage of his role to invade the lives of his victims in the Gudwaras and their own homes.

Mauji has been bailed until Friday 20 December when he will be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court.

A number of strict bail conditions have been imposed, including surrendering his passport and wearing a tag with a curfew.

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, from the BCH Major Crime Unit said: “I cannot praise the brave victims who have come forward to bring Mauji to justice enough.

“This trial would have been difficult for the victims discussing incidents that have had long-lasting impacts on them. I hope that seeing Mauji being sentenced for his abhorrent crimes will help bring some closure to them.

“We know it can be incredibly challenging to come forward to report incidents of sexual assault. We take reports of sexual offences very seriously and we will do everything we can to ensure that victims feel like their voices are heard and that offenders are brought to justice.

“If you want to report anything relating to this case please visit the Major Incident Portal.”

“Anyone wishing to report a sexual assault will always be treated sensitively and with respect by us. We recognise how difficult it must be but please be assured we have specially trained officers who can help you every step of the way.”

Becoming a victim of sexual assault is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation. The constabulary also has a number of officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBT+ community.

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support.

The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.

To contact Herts SARC, call 0330 223 0099 or visit Herts SARC website.