Hitchin Granthi admits sex offences in Hertfordshire gurdwara

A spiritual leader who used his position to target children has admitted carrying out sexual offences more than 30 years ago.

The incidents took place in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, between 1983 and 1987, including at a gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship.

Makhan Singh Mauji, of North Priors Court, Northampton, was a Granthi (ceremonial reader of the Guru Granth Sahib and service leader) who would "invade the lives" of his victims, police said.

The 71-year-old pleaded guilty to 13 sexual offences and was due to be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on 20 December.

Mauji was on the fourth day of his trial when he changed his pleas to guilty on Thursday.

He admitted eight offences of indecent assault against a child under 14 and two counts of gross indecency of a child under 14

He pleaded guilty to two further charges of indecent assault against a child under 16 and an attempted rape of a child under 16.

Mauji was released on bail ahead of sentencing and forced to surrender his passport.

Det Insp Justine Jenkins, of the Beds, Cambs and Herts 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."