AN IMAM charged with child sex offences will spend the weekend on remand after his bail application was deferred.

Mohammed Hanif Khan's legal team were yesterday due to make the application at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

But the matter was held over and is now likely to be considered on Monday, when the defendant is due in court for a preliminary hearing.

The 41-year-old, pictured, is accused of three charges of rape on a boy aged under 13, and two offences involving a 15-year-old boy.

He was remanded in custody on Tuesday after appearing at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court.

Khan, of Bardsley Close, Ellesmere Port, was previously a high-profile imam at Tunstall's Capper Street Mosque, but Muslim leaders say he left his position there when allegations came to light three months ago.

Members of the mosque's committee say they are now trying to calm any tensions which may arise as a result of the case.

Tariq Mahmood, executive member of the Capper Street Mosque Committee, said: "The matter has been dealt with by the police and, now Mr Khan has been charged, it is a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.

"It is a difficult time, but the committee have followed internal procedures and everybody is aware of where the mosque stands. Our position is very clear. We are trying to keep the community together in good spirits."

Business owner Mohammed Mehirvan, from Tunstall, is a member of the mosque and says he believes the case has left a "bad impression" on the town.

The 50-year-old, who owns Rizwan's newsagents in Knutton, added: "Mohammed Hanif Khan left the Capper Street mosque three months ago.

"When the allegations came to light, the committee talked about it and decided it would be best if Mr Khan was no longer the imam and asked him to leave.

"He had been imam at the mosque for a couple of years and he was a nice guy. He was highly thought-of and well respected.

"But he could not have stayed here. Whether he is innocent or guilty, this case has left a bad impression on Tunstall."

Mr Mehirvan added: "We're concerned people could mistake the new imam for Mr Khan. The committee have told the new imam to just get on with his job, but it is a difficult situation."