Menu
01/07/2009
Vicar Quizzed Over 180 'Sham Weddings'
An East Sussex vicar has been arrested on suspicion of organising 180 'sham weddings' for illegal immigrants, it has emerged.
The Reverend Alex Brown was arrested following a series of dawn raids in the Hastings area, following an 18-month police investigation.
Officers from Sussex Police joined a team from the UK Border Agency to arrest four people, including the 61-year-old from St Peter and St Paul Church, St Leonards.
The serving vicar was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate the illegal entry of people to the UK.
A 32-year-old Ukranian man, a 27-year-old Latvian woman - believed to be one of the brides - and an Armenian male are also being questioned on suspicion of facilitation offences.
A commercial premises which offers advice and translation services to the Eastern European community was also searched as part of the operation.
Det Insp Andy Cummins, of the UK Border Agency's Joint Immigration and Crime Team, said: "Today's arrests follow an 18-month investigation into allegations that nearly 180 sham marriages had been arranged at the local St Leonards church, allowing non-EU nationals to remain within the UK and EU member states.
"Search warrants were obtained and officers have searched premises and arrested three men and a woman."
A Diocese of Chichester confirmed Mr Brown had been suspended from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
He said: "It is with great sadness and regret that the Bishop of Lewes has received a report of the arrest of the Rev Alex Brown, the Vicar of St Peter's, Bohemia, St Leonards-on-Sea.
"The church has been co-operating fully with the police and other agencies in their ongoing investigations since the extent and seriousness of this matter came to light."
(JM/BMcC)
The Reverend Alex Brown was arrested following a series of dawn raids in the Hastings area, following an 18-month police investigation.
Officers from Sussex Police joined a team from the UK Border Agency to arrest four people, including the 61-year-old from St Peter and St Paul Church, St Leonards.
The serving vicar was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to facilitate the illegal entry of people to the UK.
A 32-year-old Ukranian man, a 27-year-old Latvian woman - believed to be one of the brides - and an Armenian male are also being questioned on suspicion of facilitation offences.
A commercial premises which offers advice and translation services to the Eastern European community was also searched as part of the operation.
Det Insp Andy Cummins, of the UK Border Agency's Joint Immigration and Crime Team, said: "Today's arrests follow an 18-month investigation into allegations that nearly 180 sham marriages had been arranged at the local St Leonards church, allowing non-EU nationals to remain within the UK and EU member states.
"Search warrants were obtained and officers have searched premises and arrested three men and a woman."
A Diocese of Chichester confirmed Mr Brown had been suspended from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
He said: "It is with great sadness and regret that the Bishop of Lewes has received a report of the arrest of the Rev Alex Brown, the Vicar of St Peter's, Bohemia, St Leonards-on-Sea.
"The church has been co-operating fully with the police and other agencies in their ongoing investigations since the extent and seriousness of this matter came to light."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 June 2015
Eight Men Arrested Following Dawn Raids
Over 100 police officers have carried out a series of raids concerning child sexual exploitation offences in Oxford. Eight men were arrested following the raids at 6am this morning 2 June. Police are investigating approximately 60 offences in connection with the operation relating to female victims in Oxford between 1999 and 2007.
Eight Men Arrested Following Dawn Raids
Over 100 police officers have carried out a series of raids concerning child sexual exploitation offences in Oxford. Eight men were arrested following the raids at 6am this morning 2 June. Police are investigating approximately 60 offences in connection with the operation relating to female victims in Oxford between 1999 and 2007.
01 August 2013
Teenager Arrested Over Rape Of 12-Year-Old Girl
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the rape of 12-year-old girl in east London. Three males lead the girl to a "secluded" end of a street in Walthamstow at around 00:15 on Saturday before two of them attacked her, held her down and raped her.
Teenager Arrested Over Rape Of 12-Year-Old Girl
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the rape of 12-year-old girl in east London. Three males lead the girl to a "secluded" end of a street in Walthamstow at around 00:15 on Saturday before two of them attacked her, held her down and raped her.
10 April 2008
Vicar Sacked For 'Spitting At Parishoners'
A Church of England vicar has lost his job following accusations that he spat and was "aggressive" and "rude" to his parishoners. A tribunal held last year was told that the Reverend Tom Ambrose's behaviour was "arrogant, aggressive, rude, high-handed and disorganised". Dr Ambrose has strongly denied the case brought against him.
Vicar Sacked For 'Spitting At Parishoners'
A Church of England vicar has lost his job following accusations that he spat and was "aggressive" and "rude" to his parishoners. A tribunal held last year was told that the Reverend Tom Ambrose's behaviour was "arrogant, aggressive, rude, high-handed and disorganised". Dr Ambrose has strongly denied the case brought against him.
02 November 2005
Vicar stabbed in stomach
A vicar has been stabbed in the stomach with a kitchen knife as he went to visit a parishioner in northwest London. The Rev Ian Brady, who is in his forties, was attacked as he left the vicarage of St Anselm’s Church in Stanmore around 8pm on Tuesday night.
Vicar stabbed in stomach
A vicar has been stabbed in the stomach with a kitchen knife as he went to visit a parishioner in northwest London. The Rev Ian Brady, who is in his forties, was attacked as he left the vicarage of St Anselm’s Church in Stanmore around 8pm on Tuesday night.
07 August 2013
French Police Arrest Convicted On-The-Run Rapist
A 56-year-old convicted rapist who went on the run before his trial has been captured in France. Police in Calais arrested George Doulat, from Filey, North Yorkshire, on Monday. In his absence, Doulat was convicted at Bradford Crown Court for the rape, attempted rape and sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years.
French Police Arrest Convicted On-The-Run Rapist
A 56-year-old convicted rapist who went on the run before his trial has been captured in France. Police in Calais arrested George Doulat, from Filey, North Yorkshire, on Monday. In his absence, Doulat was convicted at Bradford Crown Court for the rape, attempted rape and sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
