A businessman is being privately prosecuted by his ex-wife for allegedly refusing to grant a religious divorce.
Alan Moher, 56, is accused of “controlling” Caroline Moher over the course of the last five years, including using threats of violence.
It is said the couple went through civil divorce proceedings, but Moher then refused to grant a Get – the document formally recognising the end of a marriage in the orthodox Jewish faith.
Mrs Moher says she has been left unable to remarry due to Moher’s alleged actions.
She has now brought a private prosecution, alleging controlling and coercive behaviour between 2016 and January this year.
Moher, who lives in Salford, appeared in the dock at Westminster magistrates court for a preliminary hearing, pleading not guilty to the charge.
“The offences as alleged span five years and all happened in Manchester”, said District Judge Alexander Jacobs.
According to the charges, Moher is accused of “using or threatening Caroline Moher with violence causing her to fear for her own personal safety on two or more occasions”.
It is said he “exercised unreasonable financial control, including by obstructing any financial settlements ordered by the Family Court, and agreed to a civil divorce but prevented her from obtaining a Get (Jewish religious divorce)enabling her to remarry in accordance with Jewish law and practice.”
Mrs Moher was in court with supporters for today’s hearing, as the case was sent to Southwark crown court for trial.
Moher was free on bail until the next hearing on April 14.
