A NEWPORT man cleared of forcing his wife into a miscarriage says he still loves her.

And, he says, he is hopeful that they can reconcile their marriage - despite last week's high-profile court case.

Kassim Ali, aged 22, of Alice Street, Pill, was found not guilty of administering poison or other noxious thing to his wife Kaniz Fatima with intent to procure a miscarriage during a trial in Newport Crown Court last week.

Mr Ali met Ms Fatima, 23, in February of last year and he then married her in Pakistan as part of an arranged marriage between the families.

Mr Ali, who has lived in Pill all his life, said: "It was an arranged marriage but I loved her and wanted to marry her. I thought we would be together forever."

He said the case shocked him, but he still had feelings for her.

He said: "I don't know what will happen, whether we will divorce or if we can talk and sort out the problems."

Mr Ali said that during the past four months, he had tried not to get his family involved in the case because he did not want them to worry.

He added: "I have been very worried and quite ill over the past few months."

During the trial, he had to live outside the area in Cardiff as part of his bail conditions.

Mr Ali said that he had not seen his family and friends or been back to Newport since he was arrested.

He said: "I was upset at having to leave all my family and friends behind."

After the verdict, he says he came straight home to his family.

Mr Ali said: "I felt as though I was dreaming when I came home, it was so good."

He said that he had received great support from people in the local community after the trial.

He said: "All my friends have been very supportive."

Mr Ali is now hoping to go back to college, get some qualifications, find a job in Newport and stay with his family.