A British couple from East Sussex has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Iran after being accused of spying, following their arrest in January 2025 while on a round-the-world motorcycle adventure.
Lindsay and Craig Foreman were detained by Iranian authorities and are currently held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison. Both have consistently denied the espionage allegations.
Lindsay’s son, Joe Bennett, described the sentencing as “gut-wrenching” in an interview with the BBC. He urged the UK Government to take stronger action now that the sentence has been handed down:
“I do believe that the Government… should step up to the mark. You don’t fully ever know, but if you look at history, the 10 years is just a number, and that we work towards it being as short a time as possible.”
Bennett noted that past cases involving dual nationals or foreigners detained in Iran have varied widely in duration some resolved within weeks, others stretching over years.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the verdict in strong terms:
“This sentence is completely appalling and totally unjustifiable. We will pursue this case relentlessly with the Iranian government until we see Craig and Lindsay Foreman safely returned to the UK and reunited with their family.”
She emphasised that the couple have denied the charges and that the UK has seen no evidence supporting the espionage accusation. Cooper added that the government had been told further action would follow sentencing, and she now expects “decisive” steps using all available diplomatic channels.
Ahead of the sentencing, Craig Foreman gave an emotional interview to ITV News from prison, sending a one-word plea to the UK Government:
“Help. Full stop.”
He described the ordeal as lasting 13 months by early 2026, calling their detention “being held hostage” and questioning how such treatment could occur “in what day and age.”
Craig spoke of the harsh conditions in an eight-foot cell containing only a hole in the floor as a toilet and a sink, saying the experience had left him “broken… emotionally and physically.”
The couple’s monthly meetings despite being held in separate sections of the prison just 70 metres apart remain their main source of strength.
“For Lindsay, and for me, seeing each other is the only thing that’s keeping us going right now,” Craig said. “I love my wife dearly. She’s the love of my life.”
The case has drawn parallels to previous high-profile detentions in Iran. Joe Bennett was supported ahead of sentencing by former detainee Anoosheh Ashoori and Richard Ratcliffe, who campaigned publicly including through two hunger strikes ,for the release of his wife, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
The UK Government has reiterated its commitment to securing the Foremans’ release as swiftly as possible.
Comments (0)
Please sign in to join the conversation.
Loading comments...