A provisional trial date has been set for June
A former Cardiff mosque teacher will stand trial accused of sexual offences against young girls.
Mohammed Sadiq, who used to be involved with the Madina Mosque in Cathays, pleaded not guilty to 15 counts.
The 80-year-old, from Lake Road East in Cyncoed, Cardiff, appeared before Judge Jeremy Jenkins at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, January 13.
During the 30-minute plea and trial preparation hearing, he was represented by defence barrister Caroline Rees and used a loop to clearly hear proceedings from the dock.
About 10 people sat in the public gallery for the hearing.
He denied eight counts of sexual assault by touching and seven counts of indecent assault, relating to a 10-year period between 1996 and 2006.
The charges relate to four different alleged victims, all aged under 14.
Watch: Mohammed Haji Sadiq arriving at Cardiff police station
MOHAMMED HAJI SADIQ ARRIVING AT CARDIFF POLICE STATION
Police previously said he taught at the Madina Mosque, now on Woodville Road in Cathays, until 2006, but since then has had no involvement.
Ms Rees said he had a “good command of English” but would require an interpreter for the trial.
The clerk put all 15 charges to the defendant and to each, he replied: “Not guilty, please.”
Prosecutor Julian Greenwood said: “As the court will have gathered, this is going to be a trial of some complexity and length.”
The trial is listed for Monday, June 5, and is expected to last for about eight days. He was granted bail until then.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/cardiff-mosque-teacher-pleads-not-12447898
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