The teenage groom in an illegal Muslim wedding raped his 12 year-old ‘bride’ – also his cousin – in a ceremony arranged by his parents and the victim’s father.
Now all four members of the family face jail for subjecting the unwilling girl – married behind her shocked mother’s back – to a “nightmare”.
The 17 year-old groom was convicted today (Wednesday) at Wood Green Crown Court of raping the girl at his parents’ South London home on March 22, last year.
His parents, both aged 54, and the victim’s Tottenham father, 29, were convicted by the jury of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and all four were bailed until December 22 for sentencing.
The convictions follow a lengthy and meticulous investigation by detectives from the Child Abuse Investigation Team at Highgate with assistance from Haringey Council Children Services, the National Association of Muslim Police and the Henna Foundation.
The victim’s mother raised the alarm after her daughter’s father took the girl to his brothers’ home without permission.
Once there he staged an illegal marriage between the cousins and with co-operation from the boy’s parents allowed the youngsters to have sex.
The victim's mother said: "What happened to my daughter was a nightmare. Today's convictions will help us move on.
"DI McHugh and DC Hodges from Haringey Child Abuse Team have been very supportive through the case.
If you have been forced into a marriage or have been victim to such sexual abuse, there is help out there. The Police will help you. Do not feel frightened to speak out."
Detective Inspector Noel McHugh, who led the investigation, said: "This has been an exceptionally challenging investigation and we are grateful to all those who assisted with the case and ensured these convictions today.
"The offences committed are incomprehensible and the victim is a truly brave girl who suffered at the hands of those who should have offered her protection.
“She and her mother assisted the investigation throughout and, due to their courage, we have been able to ensure justice here today."
No comments:
Post a Comment