Parents sentenced in landmark first forced marriage case of its kind in Nottinghamshire

It is understood this case is one of the first convictions of its kind in the UK, and the first one in Nottinghamshire, since a new law came into force in February 2023 - meaning it is now a criminal offence to arrange marriages for those aged 17 or below.

Nottingham Crown Court heard the couple took two boys, aged under 18, to Pakistan to arrange their marriages.

After one of the boys refused his proposed match, arrangements were then made for the girl to marry his brother instead.

In May 2023 we received a safeguarding referral that one of the boys had been entered into a marriage in Pakistan.

Extensive inquiries were carried out and, on 14 June 2023, forced marriage protection orders were served on a man and woman living in Nottingham who were both arrested.

Police retrieved evidence from the address, including a wedding photo album showing one of the boys had got married in a Nikah religious ceremony, as well significant evidence on both suspect’s electronic devices.

Following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service Complex Case Unit, an Islamic expert was contacted who also supported police with the investigation, providing a detailed report for use as part of the case.

This expert report focused on a number of areas including what specific things signify in the religion of Islam when it comes to marriage.

Neither the father, mother, nor their sons can be identified for legal reasons.

A man, aged in his 50s, and a woman, aged in her 40s, both pleaded guilty to two counts of carrying out conduct for the purpose of causing a child to enter into a marriage before that child’s eighteenth birthday.

They were each sentenced to two months' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to do 100 hours' unpaid work.

Under the law it is illegal to carry out any conduct or any intended conduct to cause a child to marry before their 18th birthday, even if no ceremony takes place.

During the sentencing, which took place on Friday 15 May, it was made clear that there was no evidence of violence, threats, or undue coercion involved.

The couple's claims - that they hadn't been aware of the change in law - were also accepted.

Investigating officer Olivia Richardson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Forced marriage is a serious offence and abuse of human rights, whether they are a child or an adult.

“Everyone has the right to choose if, when, and whom they marry.

"With this we treat all reports seriously and we emphasise those who have concerns regarding themselves or anyone they know are encouraged to report this to the police.

“We know it can be difficult to talk about what's happening, but telling someone can really help. We're here to listen and support you in any way we can.”

Detective Inspector Dave Nicks, of Nottinghamshire Police, added: “I’d like to commend our officers who worked tirelessly on this investigation.

"Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it and that was borne out in court.

“For us it's all about safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Our honour-based abuse team devote their time to helping victims and tackling crimes committed in the name of honour.

"We will continue to do everything we can to ensure people are protected from harm and perpetrators are held accountable.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by forced marriage or other types of honour-based abuse you can find more information, including a list of organisations who offer advice and support, here