Sham marriage man jailed

A Czech national who was living in Oldham has been jailed for attempting to take part in a sham marriage.

Roman Horvath, of Fulham Street, was arrested by officers from the UK Border Agency’s London Immigration Crime Team as he arrived for a wedding rehearsal at St Mary Magdalene church, in the capital’s East Ham district, in July.

He was about to marry 34-year-old Nigerian Victoria Adesola in exchange for cash, with the aim of helping her stay in the UK.

However, she had supplied the church with a counterfeit visa and forged utility bills. Around £1,500 in cash was found during a search of her home.

During a hearing at Inner London Crown Court, Horvath (35) pleaded guilty to assisting illegal immigration, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Adesola was jailed for two years in September after admitting perjury and ID Cards Act offences. She will be deported at the end of her sentence.

Chris Foster, head of the UK Border Agency’s Immigration Crime Team, said: “We take this kind of abuse of the system very seriously, and we are working closely with churches and registrars to identify suspect sham marriages.

“Where there is evidence to suggest a wedding may not be genuine we will investigate and, where necessary, intervene to stop it happening.

“I hope this case sends out a message that those who take part in or organise sham marriages face arrest and justice in the courts.”