We have authorised the UK Border Agency’s London Immigration Crime Team to charge two Church of England clergy with conspiring to facilitate unlawful immigration. Andrew Hadik, CPS London reviewing lawyer, said:
“Having considered a full file of evidence in this case, I have decided that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute Reverend Brian Shipsides and Reverend Elwon John for conspiring to facilitate entry and to obtain indefinite leave to remain in the UK in breach of immigration law. The charges relate to approximately 200 marriages, the majority between EU and non-EU residents, conducted by both clergymen at All Saints Church, Forest Gate, London between December 2007 and the end of July 2010.”
Brian Shipsides and Elwon John will appear at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 25 March 2011.
• The offence of conspiracy to facilitate unlawful immigration contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977 carries a maximum sentence not exceeding 14 years’ imprisonment.
