A housing officer systematically fleeced Southwark

A housing officer systematically fleeced Southwark Council
out of tens of thousands of pounds after failing to land a better
paid job.

Claudias Oderinde, 38, was repeatedly turned down for other
posts despite having an impressive array of qualifications and an
award in finance and accountancy.

Battling against increased mortgage payments and debts of
pnds stlng 10,000, he used his positon to steal some pnds stlng
80,000 over the course of a year.

Today (fri) the shame-faced father of two sobbed as he was
jailed for 30-months after admitting 17 specimen counts of theft.

Judge Derek Inman described Oderinde as an intelligent man
who had worked hard to gain qualifications.

‘It is never a pleasant task for a court to sentence someone
who is obviously intelligent and who has worked hard to gain
qualifications to improve his professional life.

‘I have read a number of references which do reflect well on
you.

I have also seen indications that you were in considerable
debt.

‘
But he said the defendant had committed a grave breach of
trust.

‘The thefts of a large sum of money invovled careful planning
in which you used your knowlege of the system and your position.

‘The sentence is the least I can justify in the circumstances.

‘
Prosecutor Mr Anthony Leonard said Nigerian born Oderinde was
responsible for the accounts of tenants who had taken advantage of the
‘Right to Buy’ policy.

He said he carried out the thefts a year after joining the
council in February 1991.

Using his computer, he created 31 bogus accounts purporting
to show tenants had been owed money from the local authority.

Cheques for sums, varying between pnds stlng 1,000 and pnds
stlng 4,000 were issued and then paid into a number of bank accounts
in false names.

His dishonesty was discovered by chance by a colleague filling
in for him on holiday.

Defence councel Mr Justin Wigoder said his client had turned
to crime after making desperate attempts to pay back debts.

He said the conscientious employee, who had been earning some
pnds stlng 11,000 per annum had applied for dozens of jobs with higher
salaries, but had been turned down on each occasion despite his
experience and qualifications.

‘He had worked extremely hard to educate and improve
himself.

He had references from many companies and a variety of
qualifications in business and finance.

‘In 1990 he received an award for his studies.

‘The financial pressures were building up and he actively
sought better paid work.

‘
Counsel handed to the court dozens of unsuccessful job
applications Oderinde made for more senior housing posts with
various local authorities.

‘Meanwhile arrears in his mortgage had increased and he
had several loans.

‘The stolen money was not spent on high living but on
paying off debts,’ added Mr Wigoder.

The court was told only a small amount of money had been
recovered.

Following his arrest Oderinde, of Amerley Road, Penge,
se London had made full and frank admissions to police.

ends