i've heard teachers said that the punishment is like kaffarah (atonement, expiation) of the sin. every crime has a price. thus people should remember that, & not flout laws simply because they can seek forgiveness later.

maybe the husband should seek advice from his family, her family, scholars, imam (whom wedded them, or not) etc. gain support for the decision. & of course seek Allah's Guidance. wallahu a'lam.