Army sergeant on trial for bigamy after 'marrying second bride in Kenya' | 8MV5V2I | 2024-02-24 06:08:01
Sgt Noa Dravikula claimed he "didn't perceive what was occurring" as a result of the marriage service was in Swahili.
AN Military sergeant who allegedly married a second bride in Kenya is on trial for bigamy.
Sgt Noa Dravikula claimed he "didn't perceive what was occurring" as a result of the marriage service was in Swahili.
He was separated from his first wife however not formally divorced when he wed Kenyan Kuki Wason in 2021, a court martial heard yesterday.
The case solely got here to the Army's attention when Sgt Dravikula tried to deliver Ms Wason again to Britain with him, prosecutors stated.
Sgt Dravikula, who denies the cost, had been posted to a training unit close to Mount Kenya.
Bulford Army courtroom heard he "started a relationship" with Ms Mason and wed her in an Islamic ceremony at her residence in October 2021.
Prosecutor Charlotte Adams stated: "The marriage ceremony was a legitimate Kenyan wedding ceremony and in doing so he has dedicated bigamy while his first wife was still alive and never divorced."
His first spouse began divorce proceedings in 2017 however it had not been legally finalised.
The second marriage to Ms Wason was carried out by an imam with two witnesses current, the courtroom heard.
A number of months later, in February 2022, a "closely pregnant" Ms Wason registered her marriage to Sgt Dravikula, regardless of his absence.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Flt Lt Adams stated Sgt Dravikula had admitted that he was not truly divorced but needed to convey Ms Mason to Britain.
In Britain Shariah marriages, often known as nikah, are only legally binding if it takes place at a registered venue.
The trial, anticipated to take three days, continues.
More >> https://ift.tt/YuNyGiB Source: MAG NEWS
