A Northampton imam has been handed a suspended prison sentence after officiating an illegal marriage between two 16-year-olds.
Illegal Nikah Ceremony at Central Mosque
Ashraf Osmani, 52, from Abington Avenue, pleaded guilty to conducting a Nikah marriage ceremony in November 2023 involving two minors. The ceremony took place at the Central Mosque in Northampton, where Osmani was serving as imam at the time.
15 Weeks Suspended Sentence and Serious Warning
On 19 January, Osmani appeared at Northampton Crown Court and was sentenced under Section 121 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, amended by the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022.
The Honourable Mr Justice Choudhury handed down a 15-week prison sentence, suspended for one year. He described Osmani’s conduct as “negligent” and said, “Whilst this was a mistake, it was a serious one. You ought to have known the law had changed.”
