Aylesbury woman is given a suspended sentence after claiming to be homeless

Bridget Gyaaba has also been fined and made to carry out more than 200 hours of unpaid work

Homeless
Author: Iona Stewart-RichardsonPublished 4th Nov 2021
Last updated 4th Nov 2021

An Aylesbury woman has been handed a suspended sentence, fined and forced to carry out more than 200 hours of unpaid work after claiming she was homeless.

In December 2016, Bridget Gyaaba of Tring Road, made an online homeless and social housing application to Aylesbury Vale District Council.

She claimed she needed housing assistance, when in fact she held (and was renting) a social tenancy at an address in London.

Buckinghamshire Council interviewed Ms Gyaaba under caution in December 2020 and she was later prosecuted at Aylesbury Crown Court.

Ms Gyaaba was found guilty and sentenced on 22 October 2021 to:

• 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

• 260 hours unpaid work

• 14 days rehabilitation activity requirement

• Contribution to costs of £1,500

• Statutory surcharge

• Sums to be paid within three months or negotiated with the Magistrates Court

To report someone for suspected fraud send an email to investigations@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or call the Fraud Hotline number on 01296 382237.

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