Sham: Uzoma Onwuha, 30 (pictured) exchanged vows
with Robert Horvath in front of strangers they met at the local bus
stop and invited to witness the nuptials.
Staff at the register office soon became suspicious because the 'couple' couldn’t give basic details about each other.
Later, a police investigation showed that one guest revealed that he was invited after the pair found him at a bus stop nearby.
Cardiff Crown court heard that as soon as their big day was over the newlyweds went their separate ways.
Meanwhile, Horvath was seized in a raid on his home in Newport, South Wales, where he was found living with another woman.
Prosecutor Jeremy Jenkins said: 'There were only six guests at the wedding.
'But they were unable to answer police questions such as where the other guests were from.
'One guest said he had been invited to the wedding after a random meeting with the bride and groom at a bus stop.'
Onwuha, who came to the Britain on a student visa, admitted obtaining leave to enter or remain in the UK by deception.
Horvath, a Czech Republic native who has lived in Britain since 2000, admitted assisting unlawful immigration.
They were each jailed for 12 months and told to pay £225 to cover prosecution costs.
Judge Phillip Richards said: 'Horvath got a financial reward from a woman who could scarcely afford that money. For him it was a money-making exercise. For her it was a money-losing exercise.
'Those
who deceive in order to benefit in such a way are creating serious
crimes. There is already enough criminal activity going on in the UK,'
Upon serving her sentence, Onwuha will be released into immigration custody and steps will be taken for her to be returned to Nigeria.
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