A woman has been jailed for seven years for helping a person carry out female genital mutilation (FGM) on a three-year-old British girl during a trip to Kenya.
Amina Noor, 40, from Harrow, was sentenced at the Old Bailey in the first conviction of its kind.
The judge called the offence “abhorrent” and “horrific”.
Noor took the child – then aged three – to Kenya in 2006, where she had her entire clitoris removed. This is called Type 1 FGM.
The victim, who is now 21, cannot be identified for legal reasons.
She was 16 years old when she confided in her English teacher at school, who then told police.
Explained: What is female genital mutilation (FGM) and why is it done?
FGM is the procedure where a female’s genitals are intentionally cut, injured or changed without having a medical reason, according to the NHS.
It is often carried out on young girls between infancy and 15, before puberty starts.
It’s also known as female circumcision; it is very painful and can cause serious harm.
In the UK, FGM is illegal and considered child abuse.
There are four main types of FGM that can involve removing parts of the genitals, to completely sealing parts off.
Women and girls who have had FGM can suffer long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health.
Effects can include constant pain, problems urinating and infections which can lead to infertility.
FGM often happens forcibly and takes place without the person’s consent.
There are various reasons why a female may undergo FGM, such as cultural, religious and social factors.
Some families and communities believe it will benefit a girl in some way – from preparation for marriage to preserving her virginity – but there’s no medical reason for it.
Somali-born Noor was convicted in October.
Noor said at trial she feared being “disowned and cursed” by community members if she did not take part in the ritualised cutting – which is almost like a rite of passage into womanhood for many cultures.
The defendant described what had been done as “sunnah”, meaning “prophetic tradition” in Arabic, and claimed it was a historic, cultural and religious practice.
Noor also had a form of FGM performed on her as a child.
‘A life-long trauma’
For FGM survivor turned activist, Hibo Wardere, the practice is nothing short of child abuse.
Like Noor and the victim, she was also cut as a child – when she was six years old.
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FGM survivor Hibo shares her own experience
Now 54, she is helping other FGM victims as the full-time educational lead for the charity Educate, Not Mutilate.
Ms Wardere told Sky News: “FGM is a very hidden, closely kept secret.
“It’s sad women feel duty towards their culture… Amina Noor was wrong to do it. It is utterly wrong.
“FGM is a life-long trauma,” she said.
“It takes more than 10 minutes to urinate. Infection is rife. Intimacy is horrific. It impacts having a child. A one-hour procedure can have repercussions for life.”
Image: Ms Wardere says FGM has terrible mental and physical consequences
Noor is the first person to be found guilty of taking someone to another country for FGM.
She is also only the second in the UK to be convicted under the FGM Act.
The other successful prosecution was in 2019 when a Ugandan woman from Walthamstow, east London, was jailed for 11 years for cutting a three-year-old girl.
The Metropolitan Police said they now hoped more victims would come forward and that it would deter those considering FGM.
“We know FGM can be a taboo subject, which is rarely discussed within families and communities,” said Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy.
“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.”
The King and other members of the Royal Family have said they are “deeply saddened” after a number of people were struck by a car during Liverpool FC’s title parade.
The head of state, who is currently on a two-day visit in Canada with his wife, said: “It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances.
“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.”
Image: Police and other emergency personnel at the scene of the incident in Liverpool. Pic: AP
The Prince and Princess of Wales have also issued a statement, saying they were “deeply saddened” by what happened in Liverpool.
William, who is patron of the Football Association, and his wife Kate said in a message shared by Kensington Palace on social media: “What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.
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“Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground.”
Image: The Princess Royal thanked hospital staff. Pic: PA
Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital, Marc Lucky, told Princess Anne that medics were “very, very fortunate” that there were not more major injuries.
Consultant Jay Rathore added: “Most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them.”
The princess was already due to be in Liverpool on Tuesday to visit the MS Queen Anne after it arrived on Monday for Cunard’s 185th anniversary celebrations.
Image: The King and Queen are currently on a trip to Canada. Pic: PA
She expanded her itinerary to also meet nurses, consultants, and paramedics, as well as representatives from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the football club, in light of Monday night’s incident.
“We really appreciate you still coming, because it will mean a lot to the people of the city,” Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said as he thanked the princess for her visit.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The princess would like to share her heartfelt condolences and support for the families and communities affected.
“Her Royal Highness also wishes to acknowledge the courage of the emergency services, some of whom she met today, and all those providing care and comfort during this difficult time.”
King Charles says Canada will remain “strong and free” – in a speech viewed by many Canadians as a show of support for the country’s sovereignty following annexation threats by Donald Trump.
It comes after Mr Trump repeatedly suggested that Canada should become America’s 51st state.
Prime Minister Mark Carney later invited Charles, who is the head of state in Canada, to the state opening of parliament.
On Tuesday, Charles said in a speech, written by Mr Carney’s government to open Canada’s parliament, that the country would remain “strong and free”, quoting the national anthem, but did not directly refer to Mr Trump’s annexation threats.
“We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented,” the King told politicians in the Senate Building in Ottawa in French.
“Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them,” he added.
Image: Mark Carney applauded the King. Pic: PA
Image: King Charles spoke with former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. Pic: PA
In the speech, he highlighted his admiration for “Canada’s unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values”.
He set out the government’s legislative agenda on the second day of his Canada visit, an honour usually reserved for the governor general.
King Charles is only the second monarch, after his mother Queen Elizabeth II, to do so. The late queen delivered the speech at the state opening of the Canadian parliament in 1957, her first visit to the country as head of state, and again in 1977.
Image: King Charles and Queen Camilla were riding in a horse-drawn landau. Pic: Reuters
Image: King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured ahead of the opening of parliament. Pic: PA
Image: Charles and Camilla laid a wreath at the national war memorial in Ottawa. Pic: PA
He said that it has been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened the Canadian parliament, and at the time, World War II remained a painful memory while the Cold War was intensifying simultaneously.
“Freedom and democracy were under threat,” the King said.
“Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect.”
‘So much more than a royal visit’
This trip was so much more than a royal visit, it was all about cementing Canada’s sovereignty.
And what we’ve seen is two short days, poignantly packed with spectacle and symbolism.
From an open-top carriage procession to a theatrical political ceremony – Canada wanted to put on a visual show of sovereignty, and this was a masterclass.
All the stops were pulled out.
The King must sit above politics, but this was a very political visit. He is King of Canada and head of state here.
But he arrives at a time of fractious relations between Canada and the US.
Putting him at the centre of Canada’s parliament sends a strong signal to President Trump.
During the speech, the King added his own warm words, speaking with deep affection about the country. He also spoke of how the crown brings Canada “unity” and represents “stability and continuity”.
And then, reading the words of his government, a punchy message to President Trump. Delivered by the King, the words hit home harder.
When he quoted the national anthem with the words Canada must stay “strong and free”, the applause rose up.
At a time when Canada feels threatened by the US, having the King on side matters.
The King has been walking a delicate diplomatic tightrope in Ottawa. Here to celebrate Canada, without causing offence to politicians south of the border.
President Trump can be unpredictable, but he affectionately holds the King and Royal Family in high regard, and that goes a long way.
The King heads home after just twenty-three hours.
Canada has been visibly boosted – the bond with its King has been renewed and strategically strengthened.
He added that since Queen Elizabeth II’s first Canadian parliament opening, the country “has dramatically changed: repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth”.
Addressing the protection of Canada’s sovereignty, Charles read out a promise by the Canadian government that it would rebuild, rearm and reinvest in its armed forces.
“It will invest to strengthen its presence in the north, as this region, which is an integral part of the Canadian nation, faces new threats,” he read.
Image: King Charles and Queen Camilla were led by procession to open the first session of parliament in Canada
Image: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers on horseback rode towards the senate building. Pic: Reuters
Image: King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Senate. Pic: Reuters
The speech, which was awarded a standing ovation by attendees, was largely written by officials working for Mr Carney’s government, with Charles adding his own comments about his love for Canada.
The King opening Canada’s parliament is a “clear message of sovereignty” and “not coincidental”, Mr Carney previously said.
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King’s Canada visit: Why is it important?
Image: King Charles and Mark Carney during the event
He also revealed that Canadians “weren’t impressed” by the decision of the UK government to offer Mr Trump an unprecedented second state visit to the UK.
Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to the United States, has told Sky News he “regrets” his association with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Lord Mandelson‘s links to the late billionaire were exposed in a 2019 report by JP Morgan bank, filed in a New York court.
Epstein killed himself in August of that year while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors.
He had previously served an 18-month sentence after pleading guilty to procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution.
Whilst serving that sentence, the JP Morgan report suggests that Mr Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s Manhattan flat.
Epstein wrote to his private banker on 17 June 2009: “Peter will be staying at 71st over weekend…”
At the time, Lord Mandelson was the Business Secretary in the UK government under then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He was appointed UK ambassador to the United States in December 2024.
Image: Jeffrey Epstein. File pic: New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP
Sky News asked him if he did, indeed, stay at Epstein’s flat while the disgraced financier was in jail.
He replied: “I’m not answering any questions about him. My knowledge of him is something I regret, I wish I’d never met him in the first place.”
Asked why he had an association with Epstein whilst he was in jail, Lord Mandelson replied: “Why did many people meet him? He was a prolific networker. And I wish I’d never met him in the first place.”
As US ambassador, Lord Mandelson represents Britain’s interests in Washington and has vowed to treat Donald Trump‘s administration with “respect, seriousness and understanding of where they are coming from politically”.
This comes after Lord Mandelson described the US president as a “danger to the world”, for which he apologised earlier this year.
He told the Alain Elkann Interviews podcast in 2019: “What Donald Trump represents and believes is an anathema to mainstream British opinion.”
Image: US President Donald Trump, vice president JD Vance, and UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson. Pic: AP
Mr Mandelson added: “Even those who have a sneaking admiration for Donald Trump because of his personality, nonetheless regard him as reckless, and a danger to the world.”
But in January this year, Lord Mandelson said he now considered his remarks “as ill-judged and wrong”.