A man was jailed for more than 24 years on Friday 20 December after admitting sexually assaulting three young Hertfordshire victims in the 1980s. 

Makhan Singh Mauji, aged 71, of North Priors Coury in Northampton, previously entered guilty pleas four days into a trial at Cambridge Crown Court on 14 November 2024.

Following a joint investigation by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit and the Hertfordshire Non-Recent Child Abuse Investigation Team, he was sentenced for:

• Eleven counts of indecent assault
• One count of attempted rape
• Two counts of indecency with a child

One charge of indecent assault was ordered to lie on file.

Mauji was sentenced to a total of 24 years and two months in prison, subject to licence provisions.

He was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) as well as being placed on the Sexual Offenders' Register for life.

The assaults happened in Hitchin between July 1983 and August 1987. They occurred at a number of places in the town, including at a Gurdwara.

Mauji was a Granthi and used this position to abuse his victims. The court heard how he took advantage of his role to invade the lives of his victims in the Gurdwaras and in their own homes.

The offences involved three victims who were aged between eight and 14 years old at the time.

During sentencing, Judge Hurst commented that Mauji occupied a privileged position and was welcomed into the homes of the community, but instead of having the welfare of his community at heart, Mauji saw this position through sexually predatory eyes and saw the young girls as targets for his sexual appetite.

Judge Hurst explained that Mauji had inflicted deep, emotional scars using a significant breach of trust and his sentence will reflect the severity of his offending.

Detective Constable Elizabeth McGrath, from the Non-Recent Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "Firstly I just want to commend the victims for their incredible bravery to come forward and speak of their experiences of Mauji's offending, without them Mauji would never have answered for his crimes.

"This sentence hopefully paves the way for some closure for our victims, knowing that a sexual predator like Mauji will remain in prison for years."

"If you want to report anything relating to this case please do so by scanning the QR code or visit the Major Incident Portal."

A representative from the local Sikh community said: "On behalf of the local Hitchin (and surrounding areas) Sikh community, we commend the judge for passing a sentence to match the severity of the crimes that this opportunistic predator admitted to committing, whilst in a position of trust as the local Granthi (priest) some 40 years ago.

"It is important to support one another and ensure that all communities remain vigilant and proactively call out such abhorrent behaviour, taking advantage of the vulnerable and meek.

"We hope that the vulnerable victims are able to have some solace and admire their extraordinary courage and strength in bringing this evil individual to justice."

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, from the BCH Major Crime Unit, said: "We know it can be incredibly challenging to come forward to report incidents of sexual assault. We take reports of sexual offences very seriously and we will do everything we can to ensure that victims feel like their voices are heard and that offenders are brought to justice.

"Anyone wishing to report a sexual assault will always be treated sensitively and with respect by us. We recognise how difficult it must be but please be assured we have specially trained officers who can help you every step of the way."

Becoming a victim of sexual assault is never your fault. If you've been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation.

"The constabulary also has a number of officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBT+ community.