A Bedford man has been jailed after forcing a teenage girl into marriage and sexually abusing her.
Mohammed Al-Amin, 24, of Saxon Way in Great Denham, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday to three years and seven months in prison.
Forced marriage
Bedfordshire Police said the victim was coerced into an Islamic marriage conducted over Zoom while she was under 18 and in a language she did not understand.
She told officers she had been subjected to controlling behaviour, including pressure over how she should dress and behave to avoid “bringing shame” on Al-Amin and his family.
The victim reported the abuse in February last year, prompting an investigation.
Sexual offences
The court heard Al-Amin began sexually abusing the victim when she was in her early teens.
He was found guilty of one count of forced marriage and two counts of sexual activity with a child.
After the relationship ended, he sent abusive and threatening messages to the victim, including threats to kill her family.
In addition to the prison sentence, Al-Amin was handed a five-year restraining order and will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years.
Detective constable Hollie Fraser, who investigated the case, said: “This was a challenging investigation, and I am pleased that Al-Amin has received a custodial sentence.
“I want to commend the immense bravery shown by the victim in coming forward to report what she endured. Despite living in fear, she found the courage to speak out.
“Her actions not only helped bring the offender to justice but also send a powerful message to others that support is available.
“It’s great to see how far the victim has come since this happened – she has been able to start a new chapter of her life away from the perpetrator, and I wish her well.
“Forcing someone into marriage without their consent is abuse and control, not tradition.”
For more information about forced marriage, how to report it and support available, visit the Bedfordshire Police website.
