Paedophile admits to attempted rape of a child and other sexual offences committed in Hertfordshire town

A man admitted to the serious sexual offences four days into a trial yesterday (14 November).

Makhan Singh Mauji, aged 71, of North Priors Court in Northampton, had previously denied the claims during his trial in Cambridge Crown Court.

It has been revealed that a wide-sweeping investigation uncovered that Mauji had preyed on his victims at a Gurdwara.

Yesterday Mauji admitted to the 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, and two counts of indecent assault against a child under 16.

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

These offences were committed in Hitchin between July 1983 and August 1987. They occurred at a number of places in the town, including at a Gurdwara, which is a place visited by members of the sikh community to pray.

Mauji was a Granthi, someone who leads worship services, and police officers have revealed that he used this standing to abuse his victims. Cambridge Crown Court heard that he took advantage of his role to invade the lives of his victims in the Gudwaras and their own homes.

Mauji has been released on bail until Friday 20 December when he will be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court. A judge has imposed a number of conditions on his bail agreement, Mauji has surrendered his passport and must obey a curfew.

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, from the BCH (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire) 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.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary advises that 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.

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.