(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — An Australian man was found guilty on Wednesday for marrying off his 12-year-old daughter to a 26-year-old Lebanese man, according to Australian media reports.
The father, who cannot be named to protect his daughter’s identity, was found guilty of procuring a child under the age of 14 for unlawful sexual activity and encouraging the couple to have intercourse.
Media reports say the man wanted to “save” the girl from what he considered the “sin” of having sex outside marriage. Sydney’s Downing Center District Court heard that he believed girls should be married when they hit puberty.
The father held an Islamic marriage ceremony at his home in southeastern Australia in January 2014, but Australian law refused to recognize the marriage. The sheikh who approved the marriage has not been charged.
Judge Deborah Sweeney said the father gave permission for his 12-year-old daughter to have sex with the 26-year-old man at a local hotel. Sweeney adds they had sex twice more at the father’s home the following weekend.
The 12-year-old fell pregnant but miscarried, according to court documents.The Lebanese man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for marrying and impregnating the girl. He will be eligible for parole in August 2021, but will likely be deported, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The father, who has a history of battling drugs, alcohol, and gambling, was released on bail and will be sentenced next month.