Sham-marriage mum could face prison

A mother-of-six from Oldham who married an illegal immigrant in a sham marriage could lose her freedom for £750, while her “groom” is already behind bars.

Ingrid Gulasova (38) and Adegboyega Adekunle both claimed they lived in India Street, Accrington, and the pair signed the register at St Andrew’s Church, in June, 2009.

In reality, Gulasova, a divorcee, was living with her family in Oldham. After her arrest, she claimed she had wed her co-defendant as she had been hard-up, and she had been promised £2,500, but only got £750, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Adekunle (36), of no fixed address, admitted possessing a fake Nigerian passport with intent, perjury and obtaining leave to enter or remain in the UK, by deception. He was sent to prison for 21 months.

Gulasova, of Roundthorn Road, pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration to a member state. She was bailed until February 11.

Judge Beverley Lunt, who wanted more information on her background, had previously warned her: “You must understand clearly that the most likely outcome is imprisonment.”

Silvia Dacre, prosecuting, said on May 2, 2009, Adekunle produced a forged passport in his name to a vicar with a view to arranging a marriage.

The defendants were married on June 18. Having obtained the marriage certificate, Adekunle applied later that year to stay in this country, sponsored by his wife. On March 30, his application was granted and he was given leave to reside here for five years.

Miss Dacre said when the pair were arrested, Adekunle admitted the sham marriage, but claimed it had been arranged by others who had provided him with various documents.

Gulasova told officers she had been short of money, She said she had received £750, but not the balance of the £2,500 she had been told she would get. The defendant said she knew what she had done was wrong.

For Adekunle, Julian Holt said he had been in this country unlawfully since 1998 and had worked. In his country of origin, there were tribal hostilities and feuds that went back many years and people would sometimes get killed or injured. The barrister added: “He left his home country because of really serious difficulties and the danger he felt himself to be in.”

Clare Thomas, defending Gulasova, said she had no previous convictions. She added that the defendant’s children were aged between five and 22 and she was the full-time carer for her eldest child, who was mentally ill.