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A city community remains on edge as a jury enters its final stage of deliberation in the trial of a Birmingham-based Desi father accused of exploiting his position as a religious instructor.
The Final Threshold of the Trial
The trial of 42-year-old Abdul Haq has reached its critical turning point at Birmingham Crown Court. The defendant, a Desi man residing in Bordesley Green, faces a series of serious allegations involving the sexual assault and penetration of a child under the age of 13. While the case has already drawn significant local attention, the focus now shifts entirely to the jury of five men and seven women as they weigh the credibility of the testimonies against the lack of physical forensic evidence.
What Happens Next
The jury is scheduled to resume their discussions today, April 13, 2026. Legal experts note that since the jurors have already inquired about the absence of medical evidence regarding the penetration charges, their focus is likely centered on the reliability of the "he-said, she-said" nature of the testimony. If the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision today, the judge may eventually provide a "majority direction," allowing for a verdict where at least ten of the twelve jurors agree. A verdict is expected imminently, which will either lead to immediate sentencing proceedings or the discharge of the defendant.
Conflicting Narratives in the Courtroom
The prosecution’s case rests on the assertion that Haq used his garden shed—converted into a space for religious lessons—as a gateway to abuse the victim inside the main house. Jason Bartfeld KC, prosecuting, argued to the jury that Haq’s familiarity with his family’s schedule allowed him to identify windows of time when the "coast was clear." He told journalists that common sense suggests such actions are rarely isolated incidents, alleging the abuse occurred on ten or more occasions between 2017 and 2020.
Conversely, the defence has highlighted the high-risk nature of such alleged crimes in a bustling household of seven. Patrick Maggs, representing Haq, told journalists it would be an "extraordinary risk" for any individual to attempt such acts given the presence of five children and a live-feed security camera system accessible by Haq’s wife. He suggested that the young complainant may possess a "strong imagination," pointing to discrepancies in the description of the bedroom’s wallpaper—specifically whether it was white or magnolia—as a sign of potential unreliability.
Personal Background and Character
Abdul Haq, a tyre fitter by trade with no prior criminal record, has maintained a firm denial throughout the process. Married since 2002, he was described by several character witnesses as a "polite" and "good neighbour." While his Desi heritage and role as a teacher in the Bordesley Green area are central to the social context of the case, no previous complaints had been documented prior to his arrest in August 2020. His wife has stood by him, testifying that the victim had been inside the family home previously in a non-nefarious context, noting the house was often filled with "toys everywhere."
The Legal Standard
The presiding judge, Her Honour Judge Buckingham, has simplified the task for the jury, stating that the outcome "boils down to whose account do you believe." With no indecent images found on Haq’s seized devices and no medical evidence to confirm the physical allegations, the verdict hinges entirely on the jury's assessment of the victim’s testimony versus Haq’s steadfast defence.
