Janaid Qureshi

A respected Blackburn man, Janaid Qureshi, who received an MBE for his services to the community, has been jailed for four years following his conviction for sexual assault. The 61-year-old, residing on Queens Street in Blackburn, was arrested in October 2008 and charged with six counts of sexual assault against a 25-year-old woman.

Qureshi, who at the time of the offences served as the chief executive of the Ethnic Minority Development Agency (EMDA) in Blackburn—an organisation dedicated to supporting foreign nationals relocating to the UK—underwent a week-long trial at Bolton Crown Court in February 2013. He was found guilty on all counts, with the court highlighting the seriousness of his actions and the vulnerability of his victim.

Detective Inspector Jill Johnston of Lancashire Police commented on the sentencing, stating: "This is a significant sentence which reflects the seriousness of this offence and the vulnerability of his victim. It should send out a strong message to people who conduct themselves in this way that their behaviour will not go unpunished." She further noted that Qureshi had lied throughout the trial, while praising the victim's courage in coming forward: "His victim showed tremendous courage in coming forward and I hope she is now able to put this ordeal behind her."

As a result of his conviction, Qureshi will be required to register as a sex offender for life. The case, reported by the Manchester Evening News on 12 January 2013, underscores the impact of such crimes within local communities, particularly when perpetrated by individuals in positions of trust and prominence.