Former Sports Coach Imprisoned Again for Indecent Assault

A sports coach formerly employed at a boarding school, who had prior convictions for the sexual abuse of female students, has been returned to prison following a conviction for indecently assaulting a 13-year-old. Ajaz Karim, aged 70, received a 21-month prison sentence on Friday at Hove Crown Court. A jury had heard evidence that he assaulted the individual, now in her 40s, following a hockey lesson. Karim, whose address is Broadlove Lane, Greater London, had previously been found guilty of nine counts of indecent assault at Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, West Sussex, in 2018. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for these offences and was subsequently released on licence in April 2023. Judge Jeremy Gold KC stated on Friday: “You were her hockey teacher and she idolised you for your sporting ability.” The charges for this recent offence were brought against Karim in December 2023, and he was convicted in November. Nevertheless, an additional charge of a similar nature, involving the same girl, was allowed to remain on file. Following his release on licence, Karim disputed the fresh allegations, which necessitated the victim testifying in court. Karim was among four teachers who faced charges related to historic sex abuse after former pupils of Christ’s Hospital contacted law enforcement in 2016. He holds the status of a registered sex offender and is prohibited from employment involving young people or vulnerable adults. Karim is mandated to serve a minimum of half of his 21-month sentence in physical custody.