Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale brings wedding date forward as fiancee’s father set to leave jail early
Footie star's betrothed Emma Rhys-Jones put big day on hold when dad Martin was banged up for six years in the US
GARETH Bale has brought forward his wedding after his fiancee’s father was told he could leave jail early.
Emma Rhys-Jones put her big day on hold when dad Martin was banged up for six years in the US.
But the couple have now been told Rhys-Jones, 52, is due to be freed in June - 16 months before his planned release date.
And now Emma and Real Madrid superstar Bale, 27, have started planning a lavish late-summer ceremony in The Vale of Glamorgan.
But it will take place against the backdrop of a terrifying feud which has seen members of the family targeted by a vengeful drugs gang.
Convicted fraudster Martin Rhys-Jones will be asked to give Emma away in church, as their nuptials take place amid tight security.
A family source said: "Emma and Gareth are thrilled that Martin should be coming out early.
"They have been told he is being released in June provided he doesn't misbehave.
"He's never met some of his grandchildren - and it will be quite a party when they all get together.
"They have told family and close friends they are planning the big day.
“Nothing will be left to chance, so it will be a really special day for Emma.
“But there will also be really heavy security because of what has been going on – so Gareth won’t be taking any chances.”
Childhood sweethearts Gareth and Emma are both close to Rhys-Jones, who was jailed for six years last August over a multi-million pound shares scam.
But he had already spent four years and three months in custody in Spain and the US.
Rhys-Jones – who has “found God” behind bars - has vowed to be a dutiful father and grandfather when he gets back to the UK.
Our source added: "He's got five kids so there's a lot of catching up to do.
"Emma's had two children and is now engaged to one of the world's most valuable footballers.
"Her sister has had a baby too - a lot has happened since Martin got into trouble." Rhys-Jones tricked investors into handing over more than £2m in a global "boiler room" scam.
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Victims were conned into buying almost worthless shares at inflated prices – with profits channelled through a New York bank.
He was arrested at his company HQ in Barcelona and locked up in a Spanish jail before being extradited to New York state.
Jailing him for money laundering, US District Judge Elizabeth Wolford said: "You are motivated by greed and self-interest and didn't take into account the people you were harming." The judge ordered that Rhys-Jones is deported when his sentence is over.
Emma and Bale announced their engagement last July after the soccer hero helped steer Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals. They marked their engagement with a private party in the Vale of Glamorgan last summer.
Bale – who has been guarded by gun cops due to the feud – will ensure heavy security for the wedding.
Shortly after cars were firebombed at the homes of her grandparents and aunt Annabella Williams.
One of Emma’s relatives is currently on police bail after more than £100,000 was found stuffed up the chimney of a home in Pontypridd, South Wales.
Our source said: "Emma's been through hell in recent months so to have her dad home will put a smile on her face.
"Martin's telling everyone he's a changed man and will be a good dad and grandpa.
"He will be a very proud man to give his daughter away to Gareth.” Rhys-Jones has become a grandfather five times over since he was locked up.
Bale and Emma have two daughters Alba Viola, four, and Nava Valentina, 10 months.
Rhys-Jones's daughter Charlotte recently had a baby with Wales rugby international Taulupe Faletau.
And another daughter Kate, who lives in Spain, has one child with another due next month.
Rhys-Jones is still married to Emma's mother Suzanne but the couple are estranged and she uses her maiden name of McMurray.
A spokesman for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said details of Rhys-Jones's release and deportation are kept confidential for security reasons.