A MAN and woman who arranged and took part in a sham marriage were not sentenced yesterday — after their co-accused failed to appear in court.

Maria Baloggojkovitsne, aged 39 of Glen Avenue, Bolton was due to face trial at Bolton Crown Court on November 27.

But officers said that Baloggojkovitsne, who is believed to be out of the country, is unlikely to be found before that time.

The trial date has been cancelled and a new date will be arranged once she is found.

Her co-accused Katalin Ottlyk, of no fixed abode and Sufyan Shahzad, who lives in Cheetham Hill, will be sentenced on November 29.