Judge sentences Grenfell fraudster to 18 months in prison

LONDON – A fraudster who masqueraded as the son of a victim of the Grenfell Tower fire has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Mohammad Gamoota, 31, claimed his father died in the London blaze so he could be entitled to some 7,000 ($9,350) pounds in aid meant for fire survivors.

Prosecutors say Gamoota researched news articles about the 72 real victims of the fire to make his claims for cash and a hotel stay sound more convincing.

Kate Mulholland, from the Crown Prosecution Service, says when suspicions were aroused, Gamoota disappeared, but authorities tracked him down.

On Friday, Gamoota pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud.

Judge Robin Johnson told him: "Looking at your case I am satisfied that any right-minded person would look on your behavior with utter revulsion."