Vile bigamist who married stepdaughter and fathered children with her provides twisted excuse
John Ingram, a 69-year-old man, has recently surfaced in the media for his appalling actions of marrying his 16-year-old stepdaughter and having children with her, all while still being married to her mother. The shocking revelation came to light during a trial at Maidstone Crown Court, where Ingram attempted to justify his heinous behaviour by claiming that he did it to ensure the young girl could access government benefits. Despite admitting to the crime of bigamy in a court hearing last year, Ingram managed to evade a prison sentence and was instead handed a two-year community order and £450 in costs.
Ingram’s deceitful behaviour spanned over three decades, with many of the children fathered by him remaining unaware of his true identity as their biological father until his arrest in February 2020. His deceptive actions were only uncovered after 32 years of leading a double life, where he managed to manipulate both his wife and stepdaughter for his own benefit.
During a police interview following his arrest, Ingram confessed to changing his name by deed poll to carry out the illicit marriage and claimed that both ceremonies were attended by his legal wife. Shockingly, he disclosed that his wife was unaware of his paternity over their daughter’s children, further highlighting the extent of his deceit and manipulation.
Despite his reprehensible actions, the judge presiding over the case decided against a custodial sentence, citing that while Ingram had betrayed the trust of his family, it was the institution of marriage that he had deceived. In a bizarre attempt to justify his actions, Ingram later told MailOnline that his avoidance of prison had actually saved taxpayers’ money, as his wife, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and physical disabilities, would have required state-funded care if he were incarcerated.
Ingram’s case serves as a stark reminder of the intricate web of deceit and manipulation that can exist within familial relationships, and the devastating consequences of one individual’s selfish actions on the lives of those around them. This disturbing tale sheds light on the complexities of human relationships and the lengths to which some may go to achieve their own misguided goals, regardless of the harm caused to others.