A Bexley couple have been given suspended sentences for benefit fraud after they claimed funding support for two dead children.

The couple illegally claimed No Recourse to Public Fund (NRPF) support from Bexley Council from June 2019 until January 2020, described by one councillor as a "sick and disgusting crime."

The council have since been awarded compensation of £17,737.93, comprising of £12,803 in accommodation, £3,728 and £1,206.93 in council tax benefit.

Jumoke (Janet) Abosede Brown and her partner Anthony Shodunke claimed the support using the identities of two dead children, Janet Brown and James Grant Brown.

The couple also used these names to run businesses and open bank accounts.

Ms Brown was arrested in July 2020. Both were summoned to a court date on 4 August 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.

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."