Illegal immigrant admits dishonesty and benefit theft

A 64-year-old Nigerian woman has admitted dishonesty after pocketing almost £8,000 in benefits over a three year period between April 2005 and February 2008.

Bridget Woko, of The Heath, Middleton, appeared at Rochdale Magistrates' Court charged with two counts of dishonestly making false statements to Rochdale Council in order to claim Housing and Council Tax Benefits.

The case was referred to investigators as a result of a National Fraud Initiative match, which indicated that Ms Woko’s visa had expired on 7 May 2003.

Initial enquiries revealed that Ms Woko entered the country in December 2002 having been given an entry clearance visa. She was believed to have worked at a Nursing Home until March 2004 when her work permit had been withdrawn, since when she has been living in this country illegally and had no right to claim benefits.

Ms Woko had been interviewed by Investigators from Rochdale Council’s Fraud Investigation Team in March 2008, and whilst admitting dishonestly working whilst in receipt of benefits, continued to provide further false information about her illegal employment during the interview.

She admitted the two charges of dishonestly providing false details, which allowed her to fraudulently receive Housing and Council Tax benefits, to which she was not entitled.

The court heard Woko claimed £7,864.15.

Sentencing her yesterday (Wednesday 15 October), the Bench warned Woko: “These were serious offences which could send you to prison. It is your age and the fact you have repaid some of the money which has stopped you being sent to prison.”

Woko was then sentenced to undertake a 200 hours’ unpaid Community Order. Full costs of £256.11 were awarded, with the Court issuing a collection order against her.

Councillor Greg Couzens, holder of the Finance Portfolio for Rochdale Council said: "People who cheat the system are stealing from taxpayers and are restricting the amount of funds available to those who are in genuine need. The issue of those who are illegal immigrants to this country, and Rochdale in particular, will be dealt with in the same manner should further cases be discovered. Fraudsters living in our area, legally or illegally, will be dealt with by the Courts, and in certain cases will also face the threat of deportation."