A Golders Green rabbi has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman who turned to him for religious guidance, following a trial at Harrow Crown Court.

Aaron “Chaim” Halpern, 68, of Bridge Lane, Golders Green, was convicted on Thursday, 12 November, of two counts of sexual assault. He will be sentenced at the same court on 12 January 2027.

The court heard that the woman, who was in her twenties at the time of the offending, visited Halpern at his home above his synagogue in the summer of 2022 to seek religious advice. Prosecutors said he locked the door of his study and touched her thigh, breasts and groin over her clothing. He did not give evidence during the trial.

Investigation began after television broadcast

Detectives first became aware of the allegations after they were broadcast on Israeli television in November 2022. In the programme, a woman alleged she had been sexually assaulted by Halpern between June and July 2022 at a synagogue and residential address in Golders Green.

Officers worked with charities and community partners in the UK and Israel to give the complainant a clear route into the investigation. The Metropolitan Police said she initially did not want to report what had happened to her, but identified herself to officers in London in February 2023 and gave a video-recorded interview setting out a full account of the offences.

Extensive enquiries followed, including witness evidence and a review of telephone communications. Halpern was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on 9 March 2023 and again on 21 March 2024 as the investigation continued. He was later charged with two counts of sexual assault.

A profound abuse of trust

Detective Constable Joshua Dwyer, who led the investigation, praised the victim for her courage, resilience and determination in coming forward and giving evidence. He said Halpern had exploited the trust placed in him as a religious leader to sexually assault a woman who looked to him for guidance and counselling, calling it a profound abuse of trust.

“No one should feel that a person’s status, influence or standing places them beyond the reach of the law,” he said. “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.”

The Metropolitan Police said anyone who believes they may have been affected by Halpern’s behaviour should come forward. Information can be given by calling police on 101, quoting CAD4462/12NOV26, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Confidential support is available from Jewish Women’s Aid on 0808 801 0500, and from the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222. Victims of sexual offences are entitled to lifelong anonymity.

Source: Metropolitan Police