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A prominent figure within Peterborough’s Nepalese community has been handed a significant prison sentence after a court heard how he systematically exploited his status as a "second father" to abuse children and young women over nearly two decades.
Pramod Dhakal, 49, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court where he was exposed for a campaign of abuse spanning 17 years. The jury found him guilty of 25 separate sexual offences involving eight victims, seven of whom were children. The charges included five counts of rape of a child under 13 and two counts of rape of a child over 13.
The sentencing marks the end of a disturbing case that centered on the abuse of power and cultural trust. Dhakal, who was known for performing religious ceremonies, utilized his standing to gain unfettered access to young females. Prosecutor Claire Matthews detailed to the court how Dhakal manipulated his victims, leaving them feeling powerless to resist his advances.
The court heard harrowing accounts of how the abuse was perpetuated by silence. One victim testified that the cultural dynamics of their tight-knit community made disclosing the abuse feel impossible at the time. She described Dhakal as a man she once viewed as a paternal figure, noting that he brutally took advantage of that familial trust. In a victim impact statement read to the court, she expressed that the consequences of his actions did not end when the abuse stopped, stating she wished nothing but the absolute worst for him.
The offences, the majority of which occurred in Peterborough with one incident taking place in London, involved a predator who targeted vulnerable girls, including one as young as eight. During one attack, Dhakal reportedly told a terrified victim that the assault "would not take long," a phrase that underscored his callous disregard for the trauma he was inflicting.
Recognizing the severity of the crimes and the danger Dhakal poses to the public, the judge imposed a sentence of 25 years in prison. In addition to the custodial term, Dhakal was given an extended licence period of eight years, meaning he will remain under supervision long after his release.
This case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the devastation caused when figures of spiritual and social authority weaponize their reputation to conceal predatory behavior. Police hope the lengthy sentence will provide a measure of closure to the survivors who waited years for justice.
