Police probe 12 cases of bigamy

TWO INVESTIGATIONS IN PAST YEAR

POLICE have investigated 12 cases of bigamy in the past decade, new figures have revealed.

Leicestershire police said two of those cases were in the past year.

Across England and Wales, a total of 599 cases have been recorded in the past decade.

Crimes fell during the pandemic – particularly during lockdowns that may have proved a problem for anyone with two spouses and potentially two families.

Between April and June 2020, there were eight offences nationally, compared with 18 during the same period of 2019 and 17 in 2021.

A total of 58 crimes of bigamy was recorded by police in 2021, 55 the previous year, then 86 in 2019, the year before the pandemic, 87 in 2018 and 57 in 2017.

Of cases in the last five years where investigations have been completed, just over one in 10 resulted in someone being charged or summonsed.

But in 82 per cent of completed cases, the alleged bigamist went unpunished.

That was either because of problems with the evidence – including the victim not wanting to press charges – or further investigation or prosecution not being deemed in the public interest.

Culprits can face up to seven years in prison.

If people come from a country where having multiple spouses is legal, they will not face arrest on coming with them to the UK, as long as they do not acquire any more husbands or wives while in this country.

Zahra Pabani, family law partner at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Bigamy is a criminal offence here in the UK, but other countries can have little to no consequences for bigamists – which is why often when this happens, it’s across two different countries.

“The level of deception needed to run the charade is intense and stressful for those involved – even the bigamist at the heart of it.

“It’s always shocking when it happens and leaves the partner completely blindsided.

“If you suspect your partner of bigamy, you need concrete evidence.

“Some would hire a private detective to get proof, but you can’t just go on a hunch – solid proof is needed.

“It’s also always recommended to talk to a family lawyer or professional who can run through your options.”