The victim was forced into an Islamic marriage via Zoom in a language she did not understand before she turned 18
Author: Isabella HudsonPublished 24th Apr 2026
A 24-year-old man from Bedford has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison after coercing a teenage girl into marriage and subjecting her to controlling and abusive behaviour.
Mohammed Al-Amin began sexually abusing the victim when she was in her early teens.
In February last year, the victim came forward to report that she was subjected to coercion and exploitation by Al-Amin, leading Bedfordshire Police to launch an investigation.
She disclosed that she was forced into an Islamic marriage via Zoom in a language she did not understand before she turned 18.
During the relationship, she faced significant pressure, including how she should dress and behave, to avoid “bringing shame” to Al-Amin and his family.
After the relationship ended, Al-Amin sent her abusive and threatening messages, including threats to kill her family.
Al-Amin, from Saxon Way, Great Denham in Bedford, was found guilty of one count of forced marriage and two counts of sexual activity with a child.
He was sentenced to three years and seven months in jail at Luton Crown Court and has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years alongside receiving a five-year restraining order.
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.”
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Truancy rates have been going down, but have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels
One Cambridgeshire school had a truancy rate of 6.5 per cent (stock image)(Image: Milatas via Getty Images)
The school with the worst attendance rate in Cambridgeshire has been named. Newly released data from the Department of Education shows the rate of truancy, or unauthorised absences from school, in every state-funded secondary school in the country.
Pupils at state-funded secondaries in Cambridgeshire missed the equivalent of around one in 42 days through unauthorised absences in the 2024/25 academic year, equalling a rate of 2.4% lost “school sessions”. This rate was well below the national average of 3.2% which was also down from 3.5% in 2023/24 and 3.4% in 2022/23.
However, truancy rates both nationally and in Cambridgeshire have never recovered to their pre-pandemic numbers where only 1.8% of sessions were lost nationally to unauthorised absences. The rates of truancy were also far higher at certain schools compared to others.
City of Peterborough Academy had the highest rate in Cambridgeshire, with around one in every 15 school sessions last year (6.5%) lost due to unauthorised absences. That saw the school ranked 233rd in the whole of England.
A spokesperson for the Academy said: “We are committed to supporting strong attendance for all our pupils, recognising the clear link between regular attendance and positive educational outcomes. Since the 2024/25 academic year, the Academy has taken positive steps to strengthen attendance, including drawing on best practice and effective strategies from across the Trust.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that every pupil is supported to attend regularly, access the full benefits of their education and be well-prepared for life beyond the school gates.”
Thomas Deacon Academy in Peterborough had the county’s next highest rate of unauthorised absences at 4.8%. That was followed by St Peter’s School in Cambridgeshire at 4.3%, and Neale-Wade Academy at 4.1%
You can check to see how your child’s school is performing with our interactive list below.
The schools with the 10 worst rates in Cambridgeshire are as follows:
National rank. School: Unauthorised absence rate
233. City of Peterborough Academy, Peterborough: 6.5%
657. Thomas Deacon Academy, Peterborough: 4.8%
838. St Peter’s School, Cambridgeshire: 4.3%
953. Neale-Wade Academy, Cambridgeshire: 4.1%
980. North Cambridge Academy, Cambridgeshire: 4.0%
981. Queen Katharine Academy, Peterborough: 4.0%
1293. Longsands Academy, Cambridgeshire: 3.5%
1343. Thomas Clarkson Academy, Cambridgeshire: 3.4%
1403. Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology, Cambridgeshire: 3.3%
1636. Cromwell Community College, Cambridgeshire: 3.0%
Truancy has shown to have potentially detrimental consequences to children’s development and academic attainment.
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, argued that the government needs to take more responsibility for unauthorised absences. “Schools are working very hard to reduce absences and improve attendance because every day counts in terms of good outcomes and life chances,” he said.
“Absence is driven by a range of complex factors… and what we need is more support from the government to deal with some of these issues. This includes things like better access to mental health support for children who are experiencing severe school anxiety, and more attendance officers who can work with families to get children back into education.”
Di’Iasio also cited parents taking their children on holiday during term time, often in an attempt to avoid the surge pricing that typically occurs during term breaks, as a major contributor to the attendance rats. “We would like to see the government engage with the travel industry to limit the massive price hikes which take place in school holiday periods and clearly drive this behaviour,” he said.
Officers are cracking down on boy racers in the area
Staffordshire Police have seized a car on Wolstanton Retail Park
Patrols will be in place this evening to crack down on troublesome petrolheads. Staffordshire Police will be making the rounds at Wolstanton Retail Park this evening (Saturday April 25).
They will remain in the Newcastle area until just before midnight. It comes after a number of dispersal orders were set to tackle car cruising and anti-social behaviour over the weekend.
The orders were set from 6pm to 11pm yesterday (Friday April 24), and will be in play from 6pm until 11pm tonight. A spokesperson for Newcastle Police said: “The orders, made under Section 34 of the Anti-social Crime and Policing Act 2014, give officers the powers to direct individuals away from identified areas for up to 48 hours, to prevent ASB and crime including car cruising and anti-social driving.”
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A police force dealing with a surge in calls said almost a sixth were not appropriate – including complaints about barking dogs and loud music.
Bedfordshire Police handled 4,000 more calls last month compared with March last year, with the vast majority made to the 101 non-emergency number.
Most were “completely appropriate”, the force said, but about 15% were 999 calls for non-urgent matters or 101 calls for non-police issues, including bad parking.
“When there are 999 calls that are inappropriate or not emergencies, it takes up that call handler’s capacity to answer perhaps another 999 call in the queue,” said Supt Lee Haines.
Lieutenant Commander Greg Liddy RNZN salues as Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick and board member Chris Minneé reflect.
Wider call for respect
Today’s Anzac Day dawn service in Cambridge put out a call for to people to appreciate and respect first responders alongside the traditional honouring of defence force personnel. Hundreds gathered outside the Cambridge Town Hall at 6am today to mark the solemn occasion. – Viv Posselt
More than 600 people gathered outside Cambridge’s Town Hall later for the civic service three hours later to remember those who served and reflect on the values of courage, service and peace.
A strong community turnout, student voices and quiet moments of reflection marked the service held under a clear autumn sky. – Mary Anne Gill
More on the day will be in our April 30 issue.
Cambridge RSA president, Sgt Graham Johns, accompanied by Staff Sgt Richie Plas, laying the first wreath at the dawn service, one on behalf of those who served and their families. Photo: Viv Posselt
Piper Bryan Mitchell playing the lament ‘Flowers of the Forest’ at the end of the dawn ceremony. Photo: Viv Posselt
The Cambridge and Districts Pipe Band leads the parade to the Cambridge Town Hall for the Anzac Day Civic Service. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Waipa mayor Mike Pettit lays a wreath during the Anzac Day Civic service outside Cambridge Town Hall. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Lieutenant Commander Greg Liddy RNZN salues as Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick and board member Chris Minneé reflect. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Police are appealing for witnesses after a jogger was subjected to a homophobic abuse. District councillor Joe Porter says he was branded a ‘gay boy’ when out for a run this week.
It happened in Endon at 7pm on Monday 20 April.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “We have received a report of a hate incident in Endon. The victim, a man, was jogging on High View Road and Hillside Avenue when two men in a sports car shouted at him, using homophobic language. Officers are investigating and are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone who has relevant dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage.”
Witnesses should call the police on 101, quoting incident number 755 of 20 April, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
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Tommy is recovering at home after the pellets were removed on Thursday
A woman whose cat was hit four times by air gun pellets is calling for the weapons to be banned or used only with a licence.
The mother-of-three, from Houghton Regis, near Dunstable, Bedfordshire, who wants to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, said she noticed Tommy’s injuries on 6 April.
She said the two-year-old had pellets lodged just above his right eye, in his chest, behind his front left leg and by his spine, and he needed surgery to have them removed.
A government spokesperson said: “Firearms controls are kept under constant review to keep the public safe.”
Tommy was hit by four pellets, his owner said
“I feel I can’t go in my garden anymore with my children,” the woman said.
“I’m terrified… My children are very upset.”
She said that after she posted details of the incident on social media, she had been told of other incidents in the area, with another cat, a window and a car also reportedly hit.
Tommy was expected to make a full recovery following surgery to have the pellets removed.
“I would like these guns to be banned or used only with a licence, [so in] cases of misuse the culprit [can] be found quickly,” she said.
Insp Richard Cunningham, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “We encourage anyone with information about this incident, or any other concerns in the area, to report it to us.
“These reports help us to build a fuller picture of what is happening in our neighbourhoods and allow us to take action, address issues and disrupt criminal behaviour at an early stage.”
Tommy’s owner was given the four pellets by the vet
A certificate is not needed for air weapons for people aged 18 or over in England or Wales. However, it is illegal for people younger than that to buy or hire an air weapon or ammunition for one, and it is an offence to knowingly cause a pet to suffer unnecessarily.
A government spokesperson said: “Firearms controls are kept under constant review to keep the public safe. Air weapon owners must store them safely away from children, and more powerful weapons require a licence.
“The government takes animal welfare seriously and anyone who misuses air weapons against animals or wildlife is liable to be prosecuted.”
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons.
“This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop, could help relieve the problem.”
The RSPCA said that between 2022 and 2024 it had received 497 reports of air guns, catapults and crossbows being used to target animals.
Tommy’s owner was left with a bill running into hundreds of pounds for his treatment
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One person said the high street had ‘nothing’ to offer
Debbie Lowther, who has lived in Ramsey for 26 years and volunteers at Sue Ryder(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)
Residents in a rural town say their hometown is relaxing, but most are disappointed with its “dying” high street. The rural market town of Ramsey is home to around 8,800 people, according to the 2021 census.
It’s a town full of history and beautiful surrounding countryside, but some of its residents have mixed views on their hometown. As part of our Exploring Cambridgeshire series, we spoke to people about what it’s like to live there.
Jeff Kinpton, who lives in Ramsey Forty Foot with wife Jane, thinks Ramsey is “lovely”, but “that was about it”. Jeff described the town’s high street as “crap”.
He added: “It’s full of barbers. We had a fruit shop which was lovely, but it went within a few months. There is a coffee shop which is brilliant, but other than that, we don’t use anything because you walk down the high street and there is nothing. There is nothing to come here for.”
Jane believes there isn’t “enough footfall” to bring people to Ramsey’s high street. She added: “They are on about taking away parking, which is going to kill the shops. The footfall is going to be worse and we are going to lose more shops. There is not a lot of reason to come into town.”
Elaine Baxter lives in Scotland, but regularly visits Ramsey to visit her elderly parents. She likes Ramsey, describing it as a “calm and nice” place. She believes the high street has a “reasonable amount of shops”, but finds it a “shame” that the town has “lost a lot of banks”.
She added: “There used to be a few nice ladies’ clothes shops, but that was about 20 years ago. Do they really need as many tanning shops? But, then if they want to attract younger people, maybe they do.”
Debbie Lowther is a long-term resident of Ramsey, but also volunteers at the Sue Ryder charity shop in the high street. On the state of the high street, she said: “It’s always a shame because any new shop tends to come and go very quickly, just because they don’t have the customers. You would think with all these houses it would bring more people in?
“Shops only last a few months. I think people need to research more, some shops aren’t going to work in Ramsey.”
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, described Ramsey as a “relaxing place”, but it is better for people who want a “quiet life”. She said: “I wouldn’t scream about Ramsey, it’s just average.
“If you want a quiet life, then this is the place. But if you want somewhere that has a bit more happening and more on offer, this isn’t the place.”
The woman described the high street as “dying”. She added: “It pulls down the town. It’s made up of mostly barbers and vape shops, but then I think a lot of places are now.
“There is the odd nice café, and we do have big shops like B&M and Tesco, but that’s about it. The high street needs a good boost if they want more people to come here, but that is never going to happen.”
Despite some shops only opening for a few months at a time, Martin Law has proven how to run a long-running business in the town. He has run Crafty Ideas for around 35 years. On running his business in Ramsey, he said: “It’s ok, considering I get no help. The high street could be better.”
Martin believes he has made his business work as he “turns up everyday”. He added: “You can’t just show up one day and not turn up the next. If you support the people, they will support you. If you have time for people, then they are going to be there for you.
“It is difficult though when you are up against online. If someone came to me now and said they wanted to open a shop here, I would say don’t.”
Martin believes Huntingdonshire District Council don’t help local businesses in Ramsey. He added: “The people at HDC are not business people. They don’t know how to run a business or help with the issues of running a business. They seem to make decisions that are not good for Ramsey.”
A spokesperson for HDC said supporting towns such as Ramsey remains a “key priority” for the council. They added: “We are working with partners to strengthen the town centre and increase footfall.
“Through our Market Towns Programme, we are developing plans to enhance the Great Whyte area, including improvements to public spaces, a proposed timed pedestrianised area (subject to consultation), and potential retail pods to diversify the town centre offer and support independent businesses.
“We have already delivered improvements such as upgrades to Mews Close car park and supported enhancements to the Rivermill area, including better accessibility and environmental works. Our Economic Development team continues to support local businesses through initiatives like the Ramsey Business Booster, offering one-to-one advice, access to funding and wider networks to help businesses grow.
“We are also working to boost footfall through events, including festive activities in December 2025 and the recent Mother’s Day Market, which recorded the highest footfall day in March. In addition, Ramsey is promoted through the Discover Huntingdonshire platform to help attract more visitors. We will continue to work with residents, businesses and stakeholders to shape future improvements and support a more vibrant and resilient town centre.”
Ambulances outside Royal Stoke University Hospital A&E(Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)
Police are investigating a ‘serious’ collision which left a pedestrian in the Royal Stoke. Emergency services were called out to Brereton, near Rugeley, this morning
Staffordshire Police say the collision, on Colliery Road, involved a pedestrian, a man in his 80s, and a blue Ford Focus.
A spokesperson for the force said: “The pedestrian, a man in his 80s, was taken to hospital with a head injury. The driver of the car is helping us with our enquiries. “
Investigating officers are keen to speak with anyone who saw the car before the crash, that took place around 11.10am.
The spokesperson added: “If you witnessed the collision or have relevant CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage and have not spoken to a police officer, please get in touch. We are keen to speak to anyone who saw the Ford Focus beforehand.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service say the man was taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital. A spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian, one ambulance attended the scene. On arrival we discovered one patient, a man who was the pedestrian. He was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital.”
Witnesses should call the police on 101 and quote incident number 250 of April 6.
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ITV The Neighbourhood kicks off tonight and the cast list has been confirmed.
The brand new reality show, presented by
Graham Norton, sees six families/households compete in a street-sized popularity contest, battling it out for a chance to take home a life-changing cash prize of £250,000.
The series transforms everyday life into a massive gameshow that’s authentic, immersive and grounded in genuine relationships. It combines high-stakes competition, epic challenges and relatable domestic drama to deliver an entirely fresh take on reality television.
Speaking about his role, BAFTA award-winning broadcaster Graham explained: “One of the loveliest things about the show is seeing households who would never meet in real life, not only meeting but forming proper bonds of friendship.” It’s such an odd word to describe a show like this but it’s properly wholesome.
As fans wait to tune in the first episode, here’s everything you need to know about the six teams taking part.
The Neighbourhood starts Friday, April 24 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX
1 of 12
The Bradons are a household of five from Essex, across three generations. They’re made up of mum Faye-Marie, her daughter Alicia, sons Lucas and Nathan, and Nathan’s teenage son Zach
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The close group of friends made up of Hadi, Kevin, DJ and Fahad met during their first term a Nottingham Trent University
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The Kandolas and Samra are a blended family from Bedfordshire made up of mum Sunita, her husband Tony and Sunita’s son Ruben, the youngest of her three children
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The Lozman-Sturrock household is a close-knit family from Darlington made up of Christine, her husband Dave, her son Jordan and Jordan’s wife Katie
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Louise and Lyndsey are twin sisters joined by Lyndsey’s girlfriend Rosie, all proud Scousers living together in central Liverpool. The trio are all Baristas
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The Pescud family are from Cambridgeshire and are made up of Paul and Wendy and their children Grace and Harrison
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The presenter was overcome with emotion while recording The Neighbourhood. He said: “There are a few moments in the show that really do bring a tear to my eye because it’s just so genuine, so lovely and properly heartwarming.”
(Image: ITV) 8 of 12
The presenter revealed : “What I found fascinating was the unexpected bonding between different households.”
(Image: ITV) 9 of 12
Graham explained that “the name of the game is stay in and to do that you’ve got to be popular with the other households”
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Graham said that the new ITV show is a completely new format and “is not something meets something else”
