Sookhdeo, 68, married for 44 years to his New Zealand-born wife, Rosemary, and suffering from bladder cancer, admitted that, following a hug, with his personal assistant, the complainant, his hand brushed her breast. He was also accused of groping her thigh.

She worked for four years as Sookhdeo's personal assistant and, later, as administrator before making these charges. A previous woman personal assistant worked with Sookhdeo for 16 years and reported no inappropriate behavior. Shortly before the allegations were made, Sookhdeo introduced an open door policy and requested that women in the office wear appropriate length clothes as visiting religious figures might be offended by "short skirts."

The witness intimidation charges were as a result of a meeting called by the International Board and not Sookhdeo, He did not want to speak at the meeting which was attended by two witnesses for the prosecution, some of whom were not even working on site at Barnabas Fund at the time. The Board chairman called the meeting to update staff on the conclusion of the internal investigation into the allegations.

From the beginning, Sookhdeo strongly denied the allegations against him and fully co-operated with authorities following his arrest, according to his defense attorney.

Judge Peter Blair QC said Sookhdeo has an "exceptional background" running the charity. "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."

Sookhdeo took a voluntary sabbatical when the sexual allegations were first made, but returned to his duties after Barnabas Fund's internal investigation did not uphold the allegations.

A confidential knowledgeable source has stated that the real target of the allegations was not Sookhdeo, but actually the organization Barnabas Fund.

During his long distinguished career as a world expert on Islam, Sookhdeo has advised British Army commanders on Islamic extremism and holds a high security clearance from the government. His character has been deemed unimpeachable. He has travelled extensively to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Middle East.

A world authority on Islam, Sookhdeo has had some 30 books published on Islam. He is also the director of the Institute for the Study of Islam and Christianity and International Director of the Barnabas Fund. The Barnabas Fund makes its home in Pewsy and boasts a library of some 50,000 volumes on Islam, the largest private collection on Islam in England.

An outspoken spokesmen for persecuted Christians around the world, he has made numerous media appearances in the UK and USA and is an advocate for human rights and freedom of religion. Baroness Cox sent a personal note as to his character, which was read out loud in the court.

Barnabas Fund was established in 1993 and channels aid to projects run by national Christians in more than 80 countries. It also campaigns in particular for the abolition of the Islamic apostasy law.

FOOTNOTE: It was announced today that Dr. Sookhdeo has resigned as a Trustee. There was no fine but court costs of $4,500.00.