THE GUARDIAN

Rosie Cowan, crime correspondent
Thursday October 14, 2004

Kurtis Nwadikwa-Jonathan, 38, a former detective constable with Newham CID in east London, admitted helping Uche Wogu, also 38, a former finance director at Hackney council, in the scam.

The officer submitted bogus applications to set up two after-school clubs for underprivileged children in Hackney, one of London's poorest boroughs. Wogu, who suggested the plan, had a big say in getting such grants approved.

The pair, both from Nigeria, intended to spend just enough of the £94,960 they hoped to net to provide "orange squash and a biscuit" for the children, and to cream off the rest of the money for themselves.

Wogu, of Enfield, north London, who admitted two counts of misconduct in public office, was sentenced to two years, while Nwadikwa-Jonathan, of Slade Green, Kent, who pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting, got 18 months.

Judge Derek Inman, at Middlesex Guildhall crown court in London, told the pair: "From any point of view, these were despicable, mean and shabby activities, and you both, with your education, and background in finance and the police, must have fully realised that. You were both motivated by what can only be described as financial greed."

Wogu helped Nwadikwa-Jonathan submit applications to the Learning Trust for a Sure Start out of school grant for two clubs, which would each cater for 60 children aged five to 11. If approved, the council would give more than £900 for each child.

Nwadikwa-Jonathan used false names and addresses to try to keep secret his close friendship with Wogu. He even forged a tenancy agreement from a local hall, which had in fact refused to house the clubs.

In taped conversations, Wogu was heard to say: "I hope to behave as a rich man this year."