FGM: Mother is first person in UK to be convicted of female genital mutilation

A mother whose daughter underwent female genital mutilation at the age of 3 has become the first person in the UK to be convicted of the practice.

The 37 year old woman from Uganda was found guilty after a trial at the Old Bailey in London. Her Ghanaian partner, the girl’s father, was acquitted by the jury. None of the parties can be named for legal reasons.

Remanding the woman for sentencing on 8 March, Mrs Justice Whipple warned her that she faced a lengthy jail term. Female genital mutilation carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. …