A 69-year-old man who secretly married his teenage stepdaughter while still married to her mother has described the situation as “weird” and a “misunderstanding.”

A Hidden Marriage and Two Families

John Ingram, from Sheerness in Kent, married his wife in 1983. Five years later, in 1988, he changed his name by deed poll and went through a wedding ceremony with his 16-year-old stepdaughter. His wife even attended as a witness.

Ingram went on to father several children with both women. Many of the children did not know he was their biological father. The truth stayed buried for 32 years until it finally emerged in February 2020.

Court Outcome

Ingram admitted bigamy and told police the second marriage was arranged to help his stepdaughter qualify for extra benefits. Prosecutors said he had “exploited and abused” his family’s trust.
Despite facing a potential prison term of up to seven years, he received a two-year community order and was ordered to pay £450 in costs.

Ingram’s Defence

Speaking from his home, he claimed avoiding jail saved the public money because he cares for his wife, who has Alzheimer’s and disabilities. He insisted he did not profit personally and said only his wife and mother knew the truth at the time.

When asked about the impact on his family, he said relatives had questioned him when the story surfaced but have since “forgiven” him.

Ingram admitted the entire situation was strange but maintained he acted to support his stepdaughter.