Menu
22/07/2011
PSNI Target 'Sham' NI Marriages
As the police in Londonderry were forced to apologise following an earlier arrest blunder during a supposed 'sham wedding', a separate bride and groom detained as they prepared to take their wedding vows on Wednesday in Belfast have been charged with immigration offences.
Following a probe into the organisation of sham marriages, officers from the PSNI and the UK Border Agency stopped a wedding at Belfast City Hall Register Office, between a Ghanaian woman and a Portuguese man.
The couple were taken to Musgrave Street police station in Belfast where they were charged with offences relating to attempts to evade UK immigration laws.
Victoria Boateng, an 18-year-old Ghanaian national then appeared at Laganside Magistrates Court charged with seeking to obtain leave to remain in the UK by deception and was released on bail until 18 August.
Ivan Goncalves a 24-year-old Portuguese national is now due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday 17 August on charges of assisting unlawful immigration.
Also, Portuguese and South African nationals who acted as witnesses to the marriage were also arrested for assisting unlawful immigration but released without charge pending further enquiries.
Mistake
However, in Derry, the PSNI swooped during the other - genuine - marriage ceremony on Tuesday between Neil McIlwee and his pregnant fiancée, Yanan Sun.
They were arrested at the Guildhall in Londonderry over the suspect 'sham marriage.'
The Castlederg man later rejected an apology from the police after their wedding was interrupted.
The couple were released after police realised their mistake. They were actually married the next day in nearby Castlederg.
(BMcC)
Following a probe into the organisation of sham marriages, officers from the PSNI and the UK Border Agency stopped a wedding at Belfast City Hall Register Office, between a Ghanaian woman and a Portuguese man.
The couple were taken to Musgrave Street police station in Belfast where they were charged with offences relating to attempts to evade UK immigration laws.
Victoria Boateng, an 18-year-old Ghanaian national then appeared at Laganside Magistrates Court charged with seeking to obtain leave to remain in the UK by deception and was released on bail until 18 August.
Ivan Goncalves a 24-year-old Portuguese national is now due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday 17 August on charges of assisting unlawful immigration.
Also, Portuguese and South African nationals who acted as witnesses to the marriage were also arrested for assisting unlawful immigration but released without charge pending further enquiries.
Mistake
However, in Derry, the PSNI swooped during the other - genuine - marriage ceremony on Tuesday between Neil McIlwee and his pregnant fiancée, Yanan Sun.
They were arrested at the Guildhall in Londonderry over the suspect 'sham marriage.'
The Castlederg man later rejected an apology from the police after their wedding was interrupted.
The couple were released after police realised their mistake. They were actually married the next day in nearby Castlederg.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 September 2012
Seven Charged With Sham Marriage Immigration Offences
Seven people including a solicitor and trainee solicitor are facing immigration charges relating to an alleged sham marriage at City Hall in August 2011. The alleged sham marriage groom was John Robert Nicholl, 55, from Sea Road in Castlerock, County Londonderry.
Seven Charged With Sham Marriage Immigration Offences
Seven people including a solicitor and trainee solicitor are facing immigration charges relating to an alleged sham marriage at City Hall in August 2011. The alleged sham marriage groom was John Robert Nicholl, 55, from Sea Road in Castlerock, County Londonderry.
20 December 2013
Four Men Sentenced Over Sham Marriages
Four men have been given suspended prison sentences at Belfast Crown Court for involvement in sham marriages. A PSNI investigation uncovered "systematic abuse" of the EU immigration system in which criminals provided false documentation for work permits.
Four Men Sentenced Over Sham Marriages
Four men have been given suspended prison sentences at Belfast Crown Court for involvement in sham marriages. A PSNI investigation uncovered "systematic abuse" of the EU immigration system in which criminals provided false documentation for work permits.
16 March 2022
Births, Marriages And Deaths Can Now Be Registered In Irish
Births, marriages, civil partnerships and deaths can now be registered in Irish, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has announced. The new regulations are part of a phased response to a New Decade New Approach commitment to enable people to access public services in their chosen language.
Births, Marriages And Deaths Can Now Be Registered In Irish
Births, marriages, civil partnerships and deaths can now be registered in Irish, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has announced. The new regulations are part of a phased response to a New Decade New Approach commitment to enable people to access public services in their chosen language.
03 August 2011
NI Sham Marriage Pair Charged
A 'bride and groom' arrested as they prepared to take their wedding vows in Co Armagh have been charged with immigration offences.
NI Sham Marriage Pair Charged
A 'bride and groom' arrested as they prepared to take their wedding vows in Co Armagh have been charged with immigration offences.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
