Li Liu, 26, and Wanqing Yu, 25, both Chinese nationals, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and conspiracy to acquire criminal property. Mr Liu was given a two and a half year jail sentence while Ms Yu was jailed for 17-weeks at Leeds Crown Court.

While committing the fraud, they shared a student flat on Clay Pit Lane, a busy university area of the city with a 38-story landmark building called Sky Plaza.

The pair used the stolen money to pay for their tuition fees, living expenses and to send money back to China.