Brit couple accused of spying in Iran given 10-year jail sentence as they beg for ‘assist’
A British couple detained in Iran over allegations of spying have been sentenced to 10 years in prison, the family have said.
Lindsay and Craig Foreman were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through the country on an around-the-world motorcycle journey and detained on charges of espionage.
The couple, from East Sussex who are being held in Tehran’s Evin prison, deny the allegations.
Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son, told ITV News they had been informed of the sentence last week and his family was “deeply concerned” for the pair’s welfare and the “lack of transparency” in their judicial process.
“My parents have now been sentenced to 10 years following a trial that lasted just three hours and in which they were not allowed to present a defence,” he said.
(Image: FAMILY HANDOUT/AFP via Getty Ima)
“They have consistently denied the allegations. We have seen no evidence to support the charge of espionage.”
He added: “We were previously told that once sentencing occurred, further action would follow. We now hope the UK Government will act decisively and use every available avenue to secure their release.”
Ahead of his sentencing, Craig had a one-word message for the UK Government to help as he is kept in a hellhole prison.
“One word would be: help. Full stop,” he told ITV News.
“I don’t understand why we have been here for 13 months, being held hostage in 2026. In what day and age does this (happen)? When does this end?”
He described being held in an “eight-foot cell with a hole in the floor and a sink” and described the effects of 57 days in solitary confinement, saying: “Emotionally and physically, it broke me to pieces”.
The couple is due to appear before a court in Tehran in the coming days.
Craig said the infrequent meetings with his wife are what sustain him.
“I know her prison is just 70 metres away, and I get to see her once a month,” he said.
“For me and for Lindsay, seeing each other is the only thing that’s keeping us going right now. I love my wife dearly. She’s the love of my life.”
The Foreign Secretary has labelled a 10-year jail sentence for Lindsay and Craig Foreman in Iran as “totally unjustifiable”.
“This sentence is completely appalling and totally unjustifiable,” said Yvette Cooper.
“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.
“In the meantime, their welfare is our priority and we will continue to provide consular assistance to them and their families.”
This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly with the latest news, pictures and videos.
**You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox **by signing up for our newsletters.
Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following Daily Star every time you see our name.
**Follow Daily Star on Android – **CLICK HERE
**Follow Daily Star on Apple – **CLICK HERE
**Follow Daily Star on Snapchat – **CLICK HERE
You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @starbreaksnews and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates.
Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at Daily Star.
