Shame of Grenfell vultures
They came to UK illegally, vanished before they could be deported – then, 16 years later, claimed to be victims of tower inferno tragedy to grab £120,000 in handouts
TWO illegal immigrants who lied about living in Grenfell Tower to pocket more than £120,000 in handouts are facing jail after pleading guilty to fraud.
Elaine Douglas and Tommy Brooks spent eight months living in a four-star hotel at a cost of £400 a night to the taxpayer.
They also spent more than £20,000 on meals and clothing on pre-paid credit cards given to them by Kensington and Chelsea council.
The pair entered Britain illegally from Jamaica on separate flights 16 years ago and were ordered to leave by immigration officials.
However, they vanished before they could be deported – only to reappear in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster in West London last June, which killed 72 people.
Douglas, 51, and Brooks, 52, lied to officials they lived in flat 91 on the 19th floor of the tower block. Flat 91 is actually on the 12th floor.
Despite this glaring discrepancy, they were each given a room at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel, a Grade II-listed building in the fashionable district of South Kensington, home to many of London’s popular museums.
As real survivors anxiously waited to learn the fate of their loved ones, they slept comfortably in Egyptian cotton bedding and used en-suite bathrooms made of Italian marble.
They enjoyed numerous meals from the critically acclaimed restaurant in the hotel before complaining about the food to the council.
Fearful of being criticised, officials simply handed them both pre-paid credit cards so they could eat elsewhere. They were also given pre-paid Oyster cards, allowing them to travel around the capital free of charge.
Douglas spent 276 nights in the hotel at a cost of just over £55,000. Her total bill was £67,123.
Brooks started off at the Radisson Blu before being moved to another hotel. He spent 243 nights in hotel accommodation, costing more than £49,000. His total bill was £58,397.
This is the biggest defrauding of the Grenfell survivors’ fund to come before the courts so far.
In February, ‘despicable’ serial fraudster Anh Nhu Nguyen was jailed for 21 months after admitting lying that his wife and son died in the blaze in a bid to claim £12,500 set aside for victims. Police are still investigating other cases.
By pretending to be survivors, Douglas and Brooks also took advantage of a government scheme allowing residents leave to remain in the country for at least five years. This was implemented last year in case fears over immigration status prevented victims giving evidence. After five years of lawful residence, they can apply for permanent leave to remain.
The fraudsters, who had no fixed address, claimed they survived because they were staying with friends on the night of the inferno.
They were finally arrested at the start of the month after the police and council had collected enough evidence against them. They admitted two counts of fraud by false representation and one of obtaining leave to remain in the UK by deception at Isleworth Crown Court yesterday.
Adjourning the case until July 13, Judge Robin Johnson told the pair to expect ‘substantial’ prison sentences. They were remanded in custody, with Grenfell survivors among those in the public gallery.
Benjamin Holt, prosecuting, said: ‘These two defendants falsely claimed they have been residents at Grenfell Tower at the time of the fire and both have made representations that they were living in various flats that either didn’t exist or weren’t on the floor the defendants claimed.
‘In addition, [Douglas] complained about the quality of the food she received. She received a pre-paid credit card from the council and ran up charges on that in excess of £11,000.’ Douglas was denied leave to remain in the UK after flying from Jamaica to Gatwick Airport in February 2002.
Immigration officials booked her on a return flight but she disappeared and was not heard of again for 15 years.
Brooks arrived in August 2001 and was granted leave to remain for a month. He was then allowed to stay until February 2002, but disappeared after his visa expired. It is not clear how they managed
‘Exploiting tragedy for personal gain’
to evade authorities for so long. After the hearing, Detective Superintendent Matt Bonner, the senior investigating officer, 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.’
Kim Taylor-Smith, deputy leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, added: ‘Our absolute priority has always been to assist and help first – it is only right that we do so when families are faced with such extreme trauma and tragedy.
‘Where officers had doubts, they reported it, and then investigations would take place. Investigating and proving any type of fraud always takes time, and we work closely with the police.’