Jury sworn in for East Sussex sham marriage trial

A jury has been sworn in ahead of the trial of an East Sussex vicar accused of conducting sham marriages involving illegal immigrants over two years.

More than 180 marriages, mainly between non-EU nationals and EU nationals, were allegedly carried out at the Rev Alex Brown's church in St Leonards-on-Sea.

The 61-year-old, of Blomfield Road, is accused of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

Michael Adelasoye and Vladymyr Buchak are also on trial at Lewes Crown Court.

The Rev Michael Adelasoye, 50, of St Matthews Drive, St Leonards-on-Sea, and Ukrainian national Mr Buchak, 33, of Anglesea Terrace, St Leonards-on-Sea, also each face a charge of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.

Mr Buchak was remanded in custody while Mr Brown and Mr Adelasoye were given extended bail until the start of the trial on Wednesday.

The case is expected to last up to six weeks.