Father-in-law jailed for ‘slave’ abuse

The Bradford father, 56, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his daughter-in-law, subjected her to abuse after she took part in an arranged marriage to his son in Pakistan.

She had her jewellery and passport taken when she arrived in Bradford and as the couple’s marriage broke down her father-in-law exploited his position of power for his own sexual gratification.

He scratched her arm with a screwdriver and burned her with an iron. She contemplated suicide but contacted police and they took her from the house.

The defendant, who had no previous convictions, admitted charges including assault by penetration and sexual assault, at his trial earlier this year.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC said the woman had been made his “slave”. The defendant must register as a sex offender for life following his release from prison.