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| Grenfell Tower: Kensington and Chelsea Council worker admits fraud | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A council worker has admitted defrauding around £60,000 from the Grenfell Tower victim fund. | |
| Jenny McDonagh, 39, took cash meant for survivors of the tragedy and victims' grieving family members using pre-paid credit cards. | Jenny McDonagh, 39, took cash meant for survivors of the tragedy and victims' grieving family members using pre-paid credit cards. |
| The Kensington and Chelsea Council finance manager spent the funds on trips to Dubai and Los Angeles, expensive dinners and online gambling. | |
| McDonagh, described as a "serial fraudster", admitted fraud and theft. | |
| She obtained the money "while being neither a survivor or bereaved family member", Scotland Yard said. | She obtained the money "while being neither a survivor or bereaved family member", Scotland Yard said. |
| After the fire, McDonagh withdrew £62,000 over 10 months, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. | |
| Prosecutor Robert Simpson described her as a "serial fraudster" who "lives beyond her means and gambles". | |
| He said she used the stolen funds for a "trip to Dubai, Los Angeles, meals in expensive restaurants, hair appointments and personal luxuries for herself". | |
| He added: "She spent quite a lot of money on online gambling. She spent £32,000 of which £16,000 was winnings and lost roughly £16,000 in online gambling." | |
| McDonagh's marriage has since broken down, the court heard. | |
| A fire ripped through Grenfell Tower block in June 2017, leaving 72 people dead. | A fire ripped through Grenfell Tower block in June 2017, leaving 72 people dead. |
| McDonagh, of Abbey Wood, south-east London, pleaded guilty to two offences of fraud, one of theft and another of concealing criminal property. | McDonagh, of Abbey Wood, south-east London, pleaded guilty to two offences of fraud, one of theft and another of concealing criminal property. |
| Kensington and Chelsea Council said it would not be making a comment until after sentencing. | Kensington and Chelsea Council said it would not be making a comment until after sentencing. |