A benefit fraudster who changed her name before scamming the council out of £33,000 has avoided jail for the crime.
Anuolowapo Oloyede-Samuel claimed housing benefit to live in a two-bedroom flat in South Norwood, but a council investigation showed she had bought the house under a different name in 2005.
Investigators also discovered she was claiming benefits for a second home in Thurrock, Essex.
Croydon Crown Court heard Oloyede-Samuel had changed her surname from Rojugbokan by deed poll after buying the home in Phoenix Court under her former identity.
The fraudster, who had since moved to Exeter, was interviewed by both councils and said a friend had purchased the property and applied for the mortgage in her name.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges at her initial trial in August 2010, but the hearing collapsed when her counsel withdrew from the case.
A second trial was set for December 2010, but heavy snow meant jurors were unable to reach court.
Oloyede-Samuel changed her plea to guilty at the start of her third trial on January 24 this year.
She was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. She was also told arrangements would be made to recover the money.
Recorder Ian Peddie said: “Benefit fraud is common nowadays and it costs the country millions of pounds a year.
"It is undoubtedly that you were aware of the fraud and had lied many times in this matter."
htp Dave
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