Forced Marriage, successful prosecution - jail sentence of 4 years

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Family/Divorce Article

23 May, 2018

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Gill Carr
Partner

A mother who had forced her 17 year old daughter to marry a 36 year old in Pakistan in September 2016 has been sentenced today at Birmingham Crown Court.  The court concluded that the daughter had been sold for her passport.  The jury heard that the daughter had protested against the marriage however her mother assaulted her and threatened to burn her passport.

The criminal proceedings above mark the first successful prosecution of forced marriage.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 made it a criminal offence to force one or more people to marry against their will. Despite this, forced marriage sadly is still an issue in the UK.  In 2008, Forced Marriage Protection Orders were introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. The aim of these orders is to protect adults or children who are being forced into marriage or are already trapped in a forced marriage against their will.

At Forbes, we understand how serious the matter of forced marriages still is across the UK, and our team of expert solicitors are here to help. For further information about any aspect of forced marriage contact our Family team via email or phone 0800 689 1058. Alternatively send any question through to Forbes Solicitors via our online Contact Form..

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