The case centred on allegations against a father and two uncles, who were prosecuted for allegedly conspiring to cause forced marriages involving both daughters.

However, during the proceedings, one of the daughters made clear that she no longer wished to continue with the prosecution.

Parents also faced Perverting the Course of Justice charges

As the first trial approached, matters became even more complicated. Due to ongoing contact with one of the daughters, who had repeatedly attended the family home address, both the mother and father were subsequently charged with perverting the course of justice.

Those allegations were said to arise from contact between the parents and their daughter in the lead-up to trial.

A jury trial took place over January and February 2026 at Woolwich Crown Court. After hearing the evidence, the jury acquitted both parents of the allegations of perverting the course of justice.

Woolwich Crown Court acquittals and proposed retrial

Despite those acquittals, the Crown sought a retrial on the conspiracy to force marriage allegation. A further trial was listed for April 2027.

But on 17 April, the prosecution ultimately decided to offer no evidence. Not guilty verdicts were formally entered in favour of all defendants.

Arranged Marriage vs Forced Marriage: Arranged Marriage in modern Britain

The decision marks the end of a case that raised difficult and important issues around culture, family relationships and the distinction between arranged marriage and forced marriage.

Arranged marriages remain part of many cultures and communities across the world, including within western societies. For many families, they are seen as a long-standing tradition in which introductions and family involvement play a significant role.

However, there is an important legal and moral distinction between arranged marriage and forced marriage.

Forced Marriage Laws in England and Wales

Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, forcing somebody into marriage became a specific criminal offence in England and Wales. The legislation makes it unlawful to use violence, threats, coercion, emotional pressure or any other form of abuse in order to make someone marry against their will.

The law was introduced to provide stronger protection for vulnerable people and to recognise that forced marriage is not simply a family matter or cultural issue, but a serious abuse of individual freedom and human rights.

At the same time, the legislation also makes clear that arranged marriages remain lawful where both parties freely and fully consent to the union.

Forced Marriage Protection Orders

The courts also have the power to make Forced Marriage Protection Orders, commonly known as FMPOs. These orders are designed to protect individuals who are at risk of being forced into marriage or who have already been subjected to pressure.

An FMPO can place restrictions on family members, prevent someone from being taken abroad, confiscate passports or prevent contact where necessary. Breaching a Forced Marriage Protection Order is itself a criminal offence and can lead to arrest, imprisonment or further court action.

Supporters of the legislation say FMPOs are an important safeguard for vulnerable people, while critics argue that in some cases there can be concerns about overreach, misunderstandings of family dynamics and the impact such orders can have on wider family relationships. An arranged marriage involves the free and informed consent of both parties. A forced marriage occurs when pressure, threats, coercion or control remove that freedom of choice.

This case highlighted just how difficult it can sometimes be to determine where that line lies, particularly where there are differing family dynamics, cultural expectations and changing views within a household.

Questions marks over the Prosecution

Some may argue that when the daughters first approached the police, an application for a Forced Marriage Protection Order could have been made at a much earlier stage. Had that happened, it may have provided the protection sought without the need for a lengthy criminal investigation and prosecution.

Ultimately, a Forced Marriage Protection Order was obtained in May 2025. Despite that, the criminal proceedings continued.

We question whether, once the FMPO was in place and one of the daughters no longer wished to support the prosecution, the matter should still have been pursued through the criminal courts.

Family Can Now Heal After Forced Marriage Trial

For the family, the case has had a profound impact. Years of investigation, criminal proceedings and public scrutiny placed enormous strain on relationships and emotional wellbeing.

Defence Team in Woolwich Crown Court Forced Marriage Trial

During the month-long trial at Woolwich Crown Court, lead counsel Manisha Knights, together with Harry Martin, represented the father, who was the first defendant on the indictment.

Following the conclusion of the case, Manisha Knights said: “This was a deeply difficult and emotional case for all involved. The family have maintained their innocence throughout and are relieved that these proceedings have finally come to an end.”

The mother, who was the fourth defendant, was represented at trial by Chiara Maddocks.

All three counsel were instructed by Hesham Puri.

Hesham Puri said:

This outcome allows the family to finally move forward after years of strain, uncertainty and public scrutiny. They can now begin the process of healing and rebuilding their lives together.”

The outcome now means that a family who have lived under the weight of serious allegations can finally begin to repair, heal and move forward from what has been an extremely painful experience.