Woman in sham marriage gets 14 months

A MOTHER of six from Oldham who wed an illegal immigrant for cash has been jailed for 14 months, after a judge said she could not use her family as “some sort of get out of jail card”.

Divorcee Ingrid Gulasova (38) took part in the sham marriage at an Accrington church, in June, 2009.

She was the full-time carer for her 23 year old son, who had a mental disorder.

The defendant also lived with her mother, who had heart disease, asthma and was on disability benefits and told Burnley Crown Court she was needed at home. Gulasova and Adegboyega Adekunle (36) had both claimed they lived in India Street in Accrington and had signed the register at St Andrew’s Church.

Gulasova actually lived with her family in Oldham and, when she was arrested, claimed she had done it because she was hard-up, had been promised £2,500, but only got £750.

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

Gulasova, of Roundthorn Road, said to have come to the UK in 2008 for a better life for her family, pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration to a member state.

Sentencing her, Judge Beverley Lunt said she had claimed benefits for herself, was claiming child benefits and her mother was getting benefits. Gulasova told the hearing her benefits claim had not been sorted out.

The judge said the defendant’s sole motive was the £2,500 and she plainly did not care she was flouting the laws of this country, which had not only allowed her to live here, but was giving her taxpayers’ money.

The judge told the defendant :”Without women like you, these sham marriages could not take place. You were a vital part of the scheme.”

Judge Lunt said it had been Gulasova’s duty to think of her family and what could happen if she was caught, but she either didn’t think, or didn’t care enough to put their interests before the money.

She said the defendant had been warned she would go to jail and had had adequate time to make provision for her family. She added: “You cannot use them as some sort of get out of jail card.”

The court had been told how after Adekunle got his marriage certificate, he applied to stay in this country and was given leave to reside here for five years.

David Macro, prosecuting, said Gulasova was arrested last November and said the sham marriage had been set up by a Polish woman called Angelina, from Bradford.

She was driven to the ceremony by Angelina’s partner. The defendant had no previous convictions.

Clare Thomas, for Gulasova, said the defendant knew she was in a very serious position.

The barrister added: “She is, as one could understand it, quite frankly terrified.

“She was in financial difficulties at the time she agreed to this marriage. She has six children and she was struggling to cope. She knows she shouldn’t have done this.”