Barnabas Fund head Patrick Sookhdeo is guilty of sexual assault, court rules

Barnabas Fund's director Patrick Sookhdeo has been found guilty of sexual assault and of intimidating two witnesses.

The jury at Swindon Crown Court decided that founder of one of Britain's major Christian charities, which supports persecuted Christians and campaigns for religious liberty throughout the world, felt a woman's thighs and breast in his office.

The 67-year-old shook his head and put his head in his hands as he was convicted, reported the Western Daily Press.

Judge Peter Blair QC told him he had an "exceptional background" running the charity but that his actions had left the woman "distressed and unwell".

He said: "You were not at all well in terms of your own health and your conduct that day was poor and unpleasant.

"You are a man with an exceptional background but the witness intimidation makes the matter that much more serious.

"It left her very distressed and made her unwell.

"You will be hugely punished by these convictions and your life will change for good."

During the trial, the court heard Sookhdeo had called the woman into his office for a meeting and put his hand on her thigh.

He later called her back and asked her: "What would your reaction be if I reached out and touched your breasts?"

The woman said his behaviour was "completely inappropriate" and the incident left her feeling "stunned and shocked". "I didn't want to report it as first because I was so scared he'd sue me.

"I was sick twice on Friday [the day of the attack] and the day after I started to shake uncontrollably.

"I couldn't sleep and I couldn't eat. I was so frightened."

Patrick Sookhdeo has published more than 30 books and has made many media appearances. As well as serving as the director of the Barnabas Fund he is director of the Institute for the Study of Islam and Christianity.

related articles
Barnabas Fund questions aid to countries with persecution

Barnabas Fund questions aid to countries with persecution

Barnabas Fund to evacuate further 3,400 Christians from Sudan

Barnabas Fund to evacuate further 3,400 Christians from Sudan

Islamist takeover may be \'death knell\' for Iraq\'s Christians
Islamist takeover may be 'death knell' for Iraq's Christians

Islamist takeover may be 'death knell' for Iraq's Christians

Iraq\'s Christians are in their \'darkest hour\' as they face choice of converting or leaving
Iraq's Christians are in their 'darkest hour' as they face choice of converting or leaving

Iraq's Christians are in their 'darkest hour' as they face choice of converting or leaving

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.