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'Parasitic fraud': Man and woman jailed for claiming to have lived in Grenfell Tower
The judge said that this was “a parasitic fraud in the wake of a human catastrophe”.
A MAN AND a woman have been jailed after falsely claiming that they lived in Grenfell Tower.
Elaine Douglas, aged 51, and Tommy Brooks (52), both of no fixed address, each pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court on 30 May, to two counts of fraud by false representation and one count of seeking leave to remain in UK via deception.
Today, Douglas was sentenced to a total of three years and Brooks a total of three years and three months.
72 people were killed in the fire – including a pregnant woman and six-month-old baby. The fire led to a series of protests about tower block buildings, and an inquiry.
Following the fire on 14 June 2017, Douglas and Brooks came forward and claimed they lived on the 19th floor of Grenfell Tower. They informed authorities they were staying with friends on the night of the fire.
They were housed in hotel accommodation and received financial support; Douglas to the value of £67,125.35 and Brooks amounting to £58,396.89.
Enquiries subsequently revealed that their stories were false and they did not live at Grenfell Tower.
They were arrested on 1 May on suspicion of fraud, and charged the following day.
Detective Superintendent Matt Bonner, the senior investigating officer for Operation Northleigh, said: “I have previously described the actions of those who exploited the tragedy for their own personal gain as truly appalling.
Not only have their actions exploited the aid and support intended for those most affected, but they also risk misrepresenting the Grenfell community as they continue to try to come to terms with their grief.
My thoughts remain with the Grenfell community at this difficult time, the genuine victims who should continue to be at the heart and centre of all we do.
Douglas was sentenced to three years for two counts of fraud by false representation and nine months to run concurrently for one count of seeking leave to remain in the UK by deception.
Brooks was jailed for three years and three months for two counts of fraud by false representation and nine months to run concurrently for one count of seeking leave to remain in the UK by deception.
The sentencing judge said that this was “a parasitic fraud in the wake of a human catastrophe”.
