Council and democracy

Compulsive benefit fraudster

A woman who fraudulently claimed more than £14,000 in benefits has been successfully prosecuted by Croydon Council's corporate anti-fraud team.

Oluwakmi Bakare, now known as Omolewa Ibiyoye, 40, of 3 Goulding Gardens, Thornton Heath pleaded guilty to charges of failing to declare two periods of employment while claiming housing and council tax benefit.  She also pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of failing to declare her Post Office investment account.

The court heard that Ms Bakare had gained four employments, all of which she failed to report to the council. 

The benefit fraud came to light when the council ran an operation to match data held on their housing benefit and council tax systems with other agencies and discovered that she had an undeclared income.

Ms Bakare was convicted of three offences relating to benefit fraud and false representation on 15 August 2008.

She was sentenced to 160 hours Community Punishment Order for the two offences relating to the undeclared work and to 60 hours Community Punishment Order for failing to declare her investment account. These punishments were to run concurrently.  She was also placed under a one year supervision order and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

The council will be seeking full repayment of the overpaid housing and council tax benefit from Ms Bakare.

Councillor Gavin Barwell, cabinet member for resources and customer services, said: "I hope this case acts as a warning to others who think they can cheat the system - you will be found out and you will be prosecuted."

Anyone wishing to report a fraud can call the freephone Fraud Line number on 0800 328 9270. Those calling the 24-hour line can do so anonymously.