Admin l Wednesday, May 30, 2018
LONDON, United Kingdom – Two people, Elaine Douglas, 51 and Tommy Brooks, 52 have pleaded guilty to fraud after making false representation in relation to the Grenfell Tower fire which killed over 50 people. They pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court today, Wednesday, 30 May, to two counts of fraud by false representation and one count of seeking leave to remain in UK via deception.
They have been remanded and to be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 13 July. Following the fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017, Douglas and Brooks came forward and claimed they lived on the 19th floor of the 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 to the values of – Douglas: £67,125.35 and Brooks: £58, 396.89Enquiries subsequently revealed that their stories were false and they did not live at Grenfell Tower. They were arrested on Tuesday, 1 May on suspicion of fraud and were charged the following day.
Detective Superintendent Matt Bonner, the senior investigating officer for Operation Northleigh, said: “”I have spent the last seven days at the commemoration hearings, listening to the sad, harrowing and often inspiring stories about the victims who died because of the fire at Grenfell Tower.
“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 and 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.”
