A GRANDFATHER who took bribes from a China woman to enter into a sham marriage was jailed for six months and fined $1,600 on Wednesday.

Kwow Ah Loke alias Kwok Pok Loke, 68, who pleaded guilty to five out of 12 charges, was also ordered to pay a penalty of $3,200.

A Community Court heard that he received two payments of $500 each from Ms Li Xuefang, 34, in January and March 2006 to enter into a marriage of convenience with her to enable her to extend her social visit pass.

As his customary marriage to his wife was still valid, he had commited bigamy when he wed Ms Li on Feb 3, 2006.

He was also fined $800 on each of two charges of illegally running two massage parlours at Chun Tin Road, off Jalan Jurong Kechil, and Balestier Road in December and September 2006 respectively.

The offences came to light when Li, who was among 12 women nabbed by anti-vice officers at Lorong 14 Geylang in April 2006, admitted that she had entered into a sham marriage with Kwow so that she could extend her stay in Singapore.

Seven other charges were taken into consideration.