16 January 2023 , 12:02
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A British woman has told how she has got married to a rapist serving 20 years in a US prison.
Gemma Vasquez met Leonel Vasquez through her Spanish teacher - who also happens to be his mum, and the pair, both 31, started a relationship despite living more than 3,500 miles apart.
Unbelievably, they were engaged after just nine months and tied the knot in a Virginia prison on December 29 - under the Christmas tree in the visiting room.
And Gemma, née Morgan, says she doesn't care about her husband's 2011 rape conviction, as she claimed: "Love can blossom no matter who you are. He just completes me."
Gemma, from Glasgow, posted on Facebook looking for a Spanish teacher in July 2020. She eventually found Vasquez's mum and they started sessions.
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The prisoner was first mentioned in February 2021, and Gemma decided to contact him.
Gemma Vasquez knows about her husband's 2011 rape conviction (SWNS)
Leonel Vasquez was handed a 20-year sentence in December 2011 after being convicted of rape (SWNS)The couple now speak every day, using all of Leonel's five 20-minute calls.
Gemma said: "I still get the butterflies every time he calls or his name pops up on a message. I'm always so super excited.
"We just connected straight away we have the same sense of humour. We both love 90s music, and have the same favourite films.
"It doesn't matter what we talk about.You never expect your life to take a turn like this. I just thought I'd meet a guy here in Scotland."
Vasquez, from Washington, was handed a 20-year sentence in December 2011 after being convicted of rape.
He expects to be released from prison in Virginia in the next four years, owing to his alleged good behaviour in prison.
They announced the engagement to their families, who were happy (SWNS)Gemma first crossed the Atlantic to visit Vasquez in April 2022. She stayed for five weeks and managed to see him for three hours a week.
Vasquez then proposed over the phone and Gemma said 'yes' in July 2022.
He had a ring sent to her, and they planned to marry in the new year. But Vasquez surprised Gemma by arranging their wedding to coincide with her visit in December.
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They were married by a celebrant with no witnesses, and with two guards in the room - but Gemma says they were permitted contact to hug, kiss and hold hands, and even shared a first dance with the music in their heads.
Gemma and Leonel claims that both families support their union, and plan to settle in a Spanish-speaking country once Vasquez is free, and has completed a year probation.
Gemma said: "We're looking to the future...I really didn't know how it would work out being so far away and him not free, but we just fell in love."
Gemma met her husband through his mumFrom behind bars, Vasquez said: "I longed for someone to truly love me for who I am. But I thought, 'Why would anyone want me?'
"I will never forget the day Gemma messaged me. I had to reread her message about ten times.
"It was just so perfect. We had all these things in common - just the vibe and energy behind her words made me feel happy.
"I love her personality and she is beautiful - a woman I never imagined even in my greatest dreams.
"It is not easy to be in a relationship with someone that is incarcerated. You are doing time with them it takes a special type of individual to truly make that commitment.
"Our first kiss made my heart skip a beat. I knew I had found my future wife.
"Ever since she said 'yes' it has been a fairytale. I am hopelessly devoted to the love of my life and not a day goes by that I don't feel blessed to have her."
The Virginia Department of Corrections was approached for more information.