A strictly Orthodox rabbi from Golders Green has been found guilty on two counts of sexual assault of a young woman who came to him for halachic counselling in London four years ago.
Rabbi Chaim Halpern, leader of the Divrei Chaim Synagogue, was accused of running his hand up the thigh of the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, and touching her breasts and groin over her clothes in his flat above the shul.
On the second day of deliberations, the jury at Harrow Crown Court found him guilty on both counts by a majority of 11 to 1.
Police began investigating the allegations after they surfaced in an Israeli TV news programme in November 2022.
The trial was due to take place in November 2024 but was delayed on several occasions.
In court, the woman, who visited the UK from her home in Israel, described Halpern as a monster who had to be stopped.
Phone calls of the rabbi making graphic sexual suggestions to the woman while she was in Israel, which she secretly recorded, were played to the jury.
His defence had argued that he was an “old fool” who had become infatuated with her but denied groping her. They also suggested that the woman was an “arch-liar” and a “kleptomaniac” who may have sought a relationship with the rabbi for money.
Detective Constable Joshua Dwyer, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to commend the victim for the courage, resilience and determination she has shown throughout this complex investigation.
“By coming forward and giving evidence, she has helped ensure Halpern is held accountable for his actions.
“We know that reporting sexual offences can be extremely difficult, particularly where the suspect is a prominent or respected figure. No one should feel that a person's status, influence or standing places them beyond the reach of the law.
“Halpern exploited the trust placed in him as a religious leader to sexually assault a woman who looked to him for guidance and counselling.
“This was a profound abuse of trust. I hope today's conviction gives victims the confidence to come forward, knowing they will be listened to, supported, and that we will always pursue the evidence wherever it leads.”
Rabbi Halpern’s legal team declined to comment on whether he plans to appeal the verdict.
Sentencing has been set for January 12, with Halpern released on bail ahead of the hearing.
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