A former sports coach at Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for a child sex offence. Ajaz Karim, who worked at the school between 1983 and 1993, was sentenced on Friday, 13 December, at Lewes Crown Court.
Karim, 70, of Broadlove Lane, Greater London, was found guilty on 29 November of one count of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14. The victim, now in her 40s, reported the abuse to police in November 2022, stating that it occurred when she was 12 and 13 years old.
Following a voluntary interview and a complex investigation, Karim was charged in December 2023. The four-day trial began on 25 November at Lewes Crown Court, where the jury found him guilty of one count of indecent assault. They were unable to reach a verdict on a second count.
Detective Constable Rebecca Wilde of Sussex Police’s Complex Abuse Unit praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward and assisting with the investigation. She emphasized the importance of reporting sexual offences, regardless of when they occurred, and assured that victims would be supported and their cases thoroughly investigated.
Anyone who is a victim of a sexual offence is encouraged to report it online, via 101, or call 999 in an emergency.
