Duped 'Wife' Avoids Prison For Marriage Lies

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.