Met investigation results in woman being jailed for female genital mutilation

A woman has been jailed for female genital mutilation in a first for the Met.

This is the first time in the Met’s history where officers have secured justice for female genital mutilation (FGM) occurring abroad.

It is only the second time in UK history that somebody has been convicted of FGM since it became illegal in 1985.

Met detectives secured the conviction after a complex and sensitive investigation after the victim confided in a teacher about abuse that had taken place nearly 12 years previously.

Amina Noor, 39 (01.01.84) was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment at the Old Bailey on Friday, 16 February.

She was previously found guilty of assisting a non-UK person to mutilate the genitals of a UK female citizen overseas, contrary to Section 3 of the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Act 2003.

Following today’s sentencing, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy encouraged victims to come forward and seek support from police and partners.

He acknowledged the fear that some victims may have of reporting FGM and reassured victims that reports would be dealt with confidentiality, empathy and compassion.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team led the investigation, said “Our mission is to prevent FGM from taking place, working with local communities and expert health partners to achieve this and safeguard vulnerable children.

“We know FGM can be a taboo subject, which is rarely discussed within families and communities – we must build trust with those impacted so we can protect victims. It’s not our job to judge and we will always remain sensitive and respectful.

“I hope today’s sentence acts as a real deterrent to those who choose to harm children in this way. Most importantly, I hope that we can use this result as an opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this topic, ensuring victims know that there is support and help out there.”

Detectives established Noor had travelled to Kenya with the child in 2006, where she had arranged for the victim to undergo a procedure which would severely mutilate her genitals.

In interview, Noor denied this – but Met officers worked hard to disprove her account and worked closely with medical professionals to evidence that the victim had been subjected to the abuse.

Anyone who has suffered from FGM can get help, support and advice from health professionals in the NHS, as well as from the National FGM centre.

The Dahlia Project also offers support to women who had survived FGM and work to empower communities through education to reject FGM and to raise awareness with professionals about FGM and safeguarding.

If you have concerns about the welfare of any young person, or you have information about FGM-related offending, you can call police on 101 or the NSPCC FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550.

Anonymity starts as soon as an allegation of FGM is made to police, which ensures victims and survivors are protected whatever the outcome is of the investigation or prosecution.

If you know someone who you believe to be at immediate risk, call 999 immediately.