Charges over marriages

An Irish woman accused of marrying at least five asylum-seekers so they could remain in Britain appeared at Horseferry Road Magistrates…

An Irish woman accused of marrying at least five asylum-seekers so they could remain in Britain appeared at Horseferry Road Magistrates' Court in London yesterday. Ms Tara Clancy (24) was released on bail of £10,000 in cash. She gave her address as the family home in Beech Grove, Lucan, Co Dublin. She is charged with conspiracy to defraud the Home Office contrary to common law and separately charged with conspiracy to make false statements about marriages of convenience in 1997.

The alleged co-conspirators are Ms Susantha Makes Moonesinghe, a legal consultant who allegedly arranged the marriages, and her boyfriend, Mr Frank Buggles, together with Mr Thomas Natty and Ms Theresa O'Callaghan. Ms Clancy will appear before Southwark Crown Court on January 22nd.