Couple Jailed for Faking Grenfell Tower Residency to Snatch £50k in Aid
A shameless pair have been locked up for ripping off almost £50,000 by pretending to be Grenfell Tower victims. Carmel Daly, 50, and Robert Kenneally, 52, both from Warwick Lane, W14, were today found guilty of fraud by false representation at Isleworth Crown Court.
Posing as Survivors
Daly and Kenneally claimed they lived in Grenfell Tower six months before the devastating fire on 14 June 2017. They told Kensington and Chelsea Council and the Red Cross they were sharing a flat with Dennis Murphy, a man who tragically died in the blaze.
Thanks to their lies, they scored a hotel room, free clothes, financial handouts, and later a rent-free flat with no council tax or bills.
Fraud Uncovered by CCTV and Family Alibis
A fraud investigation was launched. Police grilled the duo on 5 April 2018 after RBKC’s fraud team raised suspicions. CCTV footage from days before the fire showed neither Daly nor Kenneally near Grenfell Tower.
Mr Murphy’s neighbour insisted he lived alone. His son, sister, and mother confirmed they never heard him mention sharing a flat with either of the fraudsters.
Phone records revealed zero contact between Murphy and the couple, sealing their fate. Daly and Kenneally were charged with fraud in April 2019.
Justice Served for a Community in Mourning
“The aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire brought out the best in humanity… Unfortunately, a number of people like Daly and Kenneally cynically sought to abuse this kindness,” said Detective Constable Ismail Mattar.
“I am glad they have now been brought to justice. Fraud is not a victimless crime. They stole council taxpayers’ money meant to help real survivors.”
Daly was handed four years and three months behind bars. Kenneally got four years and nine months. Their greed won’t go unpunished.
