Nottingham couple given suspended sentences for taking underage sons abroad to marry

The couple, in their 50s and 40s, pleaded guilty to carrying out conduct for the purpose of causing a child under 18 to enter into a marriage. They were each sentenced to two months' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. The judge noted there was no evidence of threats or coercion, and emphasized safeguarding responsibilities. The Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the law's aim to protect children from such arrangements, including after overseas events.

The couple were arrested in June 2023 after concerns were raised to police by a place of education. An investigation found they had travelled to Pakistan in April 2023 seeking marriages for their sons.

On 29 April 2023, the mother sent a message saying one of her sons didn't like the girl and was advised to ask him again. She was told if he still did not agree, they could pursue an engagement rather than a Nikkah (Islamic wedding).

The investigation found the couple travelled to Pakistan with their sons in April 2023 to seek marriage partners. They initially claimed they were on a family holiday, but messages and photographs indicated otherwise.

The act came into force, removing the previous allowance for 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent. It makes it a criminal offence to cause a child under 18 to enter into a marriage and covers religious or traditional ceremonies overseas that are not legally binding in England and Wales.

The father sent a message indicating he was seeking a rishta (marriage proposal) for both of his sons, two months before reports emerged of travel to Pakistan.