Pair claimed benefits in name of dead kids

A couple who illegally claimed benefits in the name of two dead children have received a suspended sentence.

Jumoke Abosede Brown, known as Janet, and her partner Anthony Shodunke, fraudulently claimed the No Recourse to Public Fund (NRPF) support from Bexley council from June 2019 until January 2020.

They claimed the support using the identities of Janet Brown and James Grant Brown. The couple also used these names to run businesses and open bank accounts.

Jumoke Brown was arrested in July 2020. Both were summoned to a court date on August 4, 2021 at which they pleaded guilty to all offences.

The couple were sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment, which was suspended for two years. They were also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work each.

The council was awarded compensation of £17,737.93. This comprised of £12,803 in accommodation, subsistence support of £3,728 and £1,206.93 in council tax benefit. They were also ordered to pay the council’s investigation and legal costs at £3,000.

Deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, Cllr David Leaf, said: “These two individuals engaged in fraud to get resources intended for families in real need, using the identity of deceased children. This is a sick and disgusting crime and the public will be appalled by their callous actions.

“We will take action and pursue these crooks for every penny they owe.

“I hope this case serves as a warning to others that we will not stand by and let this kind of action go unpunished.

“Our fraud team pursued this case and the evidence they gathered has helped secure this conviction – they will investigate others who are intent on cheating the system too.”