A Church of England vicar has been jailed after presiding over nearly 250 sham marriages.

The Rev Brian Shipsides, 56, conducted the fake weddings in All Saints Church in Forest Gate between December 2007 and August 2010.

He was jailed yesterday for four-and-a-half years after admitting one count of conspiracy to facilitate unlawful immigration.

Amudalat Ladipo, 32, who assisted as a “marriage fixer”, was convicted of the same charge and sentenced to three years in jail.

London Crown Court heard that up to seven marriages took place on one day at All Saints during Shipsides’ leadership.

The vicar had reportedly pocketed more than £30,000 for his part in the scheme.

In handing down the judgement, Judge Peter Grobel said: "Your important role in this conspiracy was a disgraceful abuse of your calling as an ordained minister of the church.

"These marriages took place in your church. Your church where you had been the priest in charge for many years.

"Your criminal conduct appears to have been motivated as much by arrogance as by greed."