A young Redhill woman, who lied about
living with her Albanian boyfriend when successfully obtaining a
marriage certificate, escaped prison with a suspended sentence on
Wednesday.
Zoe Stone, 25, (pictured) of Gatton Park Road
was originally charged with participating in a sham marriage with
Pellumb Uka, who has since dumped the seven-months pregnant
defendant.
She pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown
Court to knowingly or wilfully making a false oath or declaration to
procure a marriage certificate or licence at Leatherhead registry
office on December 13, last year, contrary to the Perjury Act.
Prosecutor Mr. Nick Cooper told the
court first-time offender Stone, a dispenser with Boots, signed a
declaration confirming she and Mr. Uka were residing together, which
was not true.
“The defendant had a relationship
with Pellumb Uka's brother in August, 2008 and when Pellumb came to
this country he was refused asylum and in February, 2009 left
voluntarily.
“Pellumb applied for, but was refused
a marriage visa, but successfully appealed the decision and returned
to this country and married the defendant.”
Stone denies she ever dated Pellumb's
brother and maintains their relationship was genuine as far as she
was concerned.
The prosecution accept she made no
financial gain from the marriage.
Recorder Andrew Baillie QC told Stone: “I
accept you entered into a genuine marriage with a man who has since
disappeared and is no longer available.”
The court heard Pellumb has left
another young woman in a similar position.
“I know your case always was that
this was a genuine marriage, but the offence does undermine the
institution of marriage,” added the Recorder.
Stone was sentenced to five months
imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, ordered to obey a
condition of residence at the family home for one month and pay £250
costs.
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