Bedford man jailed for forcing a teenage girl into marriage

A 24-year-old man from Bedford has been sentenced after forcing a teenage girl into marriage and subjecting her to cohesive and controlling behaviour.

Mohammed Al-Amin began a sexually abusing the victim when she was in her early teens.

In February last year, she bravely came forward to report that she was a victim of coercion and exploitation, and we launched an investigation.

She also disclosed that she has been coerced into entering an Islamic marriage via Zoom in a language she didn’t understand, when she was still under the age of 18.

She described the significant pressure she faced, including expectations on how to dress and behave in particular ways to “avoid bringing shame” upon him and his family.

After the relationship ended, Al-Amin sent abusive and threatening messages the victim, saying that he would kill her family.

Al-Amin of Saxon Way, Great Denham, Bedford, was found guilty of one count of forced marriage and two counts of sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced today (Friday) at Luton Crown Court to three years and seven months. He was also handed a five-year retraining order and will have to be on the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years.

Detective Constable Hollie Fraser, who investigated, 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 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.”

You can find out more about forced marriage, how to report it and the support that is available on the advice and information section of the website.