South Wales Police secures Forced Marriage conviction

Following a complex and protracted investigation a man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for forced marriage and sexual offences.

In what is believed to be the first case in the UK since new legislation was introduced in 2014*, a man from South Wales pleaded guilty and was sentenced today (10 June, 2015) at Merthyr Crown Court.

Thanks to the courage of the victim to come forward, South Wales Police was able to present a robust case ensuring the defendant pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, one count of bigamy and one count of voyeurism.

In addition, the court heard that the man was particularly possessive and controlling of his victim during the time they knew one another. Between March and September 2014, he repeatedly raped and threatened his victim before forcing her to marry him against her will in an act of bigamy on his behalf.

The multi-faceted case and sentence highlights the commitment from South Wales Police to potential victims of forced marriage and sends a clear message to those involved in this criminal activity.

Detective Superintendent Lian Penhale said:

“We welcome today’s sentencing in what has been an extremely traumatic experience for the victim and recognise the courage and strength it took to come forward and report this matter to the police.

“From the outset this complex case was a legal milestone in Wales and the UK and a benchmark to what can be achieved. I hope that today’s sentencing will act as a catalyst to empower victims and those at risk to come forward and enable the police and our partners to give them the support they need to ensure they’re free from this criminal activity – and to bring the offenders to justice.

“We know that victims and witnesses will be concerned, and therefore we want victims and those at risk to know that allegations will be treated in the strictest confidence and in a safe and sensitive manner. We also understand and recognise that victims those at risk may not want to demonise or otherwise criminalise their families, community or faith group.

“Our priority is to keep victims, and those at risk safe. South Wales Police is committed to protecting and upholding the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the all. If anyone is worried about the threat of a Forced Marriage they should contact the police, the UK Forced Marriage Unit or one of the specialist agencies that support victims and potential victims of Forced Marriage.”

Watch a video of Detective Superintendent Penhale with a response to the sentencing

Iwan Jenkins, Head of CPS Wales Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: 

“Forced marriage wrecks lives and destroys families. We hope that today’s sentence sends a strong message that forced marriage will not be tolerated in today’s Britain.

“It is a testament to the strength of the case which we constructed with the police that we secured a guilty plea for the offences in this case.

“The victim has shown great courage and bravery in reporting these matters. This conviction illustrates the seriousness in which these crimes are treated and investigated by the Crown Prosecution Service and South Wales Police.

“I hope today’s sentence brings some closure for those who have suffered as a result of these particularly nasty and invasive crimes.”

Natasha Rattu, Barrister, and Head of Learning and Development at Karma Nivarna said:

“Our organisation is a national charity supporting all victims and survivors of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.

“Karma Nirvana has supported the government in bringing in the new legislation, and as such, welcome the first criminal conviction.

“Today’s sentencing marks a huge milestone in the commitment to tackling forced marriage. The victim in this case has shown great bravery in coming forward. We hope that this conviction will inspire more people to come forward for support.”

Karma Nirvana can be contacted confidentially on 0800 5999247.