A violent man who forced someone to marry him so he could stay in the UK, and subjected her to physical and mental abuse, has become the first person to be convicted of the offence in Bedfordshire.

Kulbir Singh Moroak was brought to justice after a concerned friend contacted Bedfordshire Police to report the abuse in November.

The victim told police how Moroak, 28, had subjected her to physical and verbal abuse for months and forced her into marriage.

Due to the fear Moroak had instilled in her, the victim was initially reluctant to support an investigation, though officers from the force’s specialist Emerald domestic abuse team remained in contact with her and continued to provide support.

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The situation escalated after a second incident, when Moroak assaulted her then forced her to speed away from police in a bid to prevent his arrest.

However, officers managed to stop the vehicle and identified the victim was extremely distressed and she was taken to hospital, while Moroak was arrested and taken into custody.

Due to the trust and support Emerald officers had built with her, the victim found the courage to support the police investigation, detailing the physical abuse and controlling behaviour she had been subjected to for months.

The abuse was all part of a ploy by Moroak, who had remained in the country illegally and was hoping to use his marriage to get a UK passport and visa.

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Last week, at Luton Crown Court, Moroak was found guilty of forced marriage, coercive and controlling behaviour, three counts of common assault and two counts of intentional strangulation.

There were a total of five further counts of assault and intentional strangulation which were not proceeded with.

Moroak, of Roman Road in Luton, is due to be sentenced on July 21.

Detective Sergeant Nash Hussain, from Bedfordshire Police’s specialist Emerald domestic abuse team, said: "I cannot commend the survivor in this case highly enough for her bravery.

"She was under unimaginable psychological pressure not to speak to us and I am so proud of her for overcoming her fear and finding the courage to report what was happening to her."