A former Plumstead resident has been sentenced to 39 weeks in prison for illegally claiming a student loan.
The 23-year-old woman received a loan for £8,527 to study at Manchester Metropolitan University after falsely claiming she was a British national.
She produced a forged birth certificate that claimed she had been born in Hackney.
Following an investigation by the Council and police, the woman was arrested on Friday January 6.
She then appeared at Greenwich Magistrates Court where she was sentenced to 39 weeks in Holloway Prison.
Fraud will not be tolerated
Councillor Chris Roberts, Greenwich Council Leader, said:
"I am very pleased with the way this case has been dealt with by the police and our Council officers. This highlights once again the fact that fraud will not be tolerated in the borough.
"When people claim money they are not entitled to, they are taking away money that could be spent on frontline services such as schools and housing.
"This is why the Council will continue to take a tough stance on this and to actively pursue those who cheat the system."
Fraud line
Anyone with suspicions about people committing benefit or student loan fraud can call 0800 169 69 75.
11 January 2006