AFTER avoiding facing justice for six years, a former Thurrock Council staff member who faked her qualifications has been convicted after she admitted 13 fraud offences and one offence of misconduct in a public office.

The offences related to food safety inspections carried out while she was engaged on contract by the council.

Lily Yirenkyi narrowly avoided being jailed but has to pay up more than £8,500 after her delayed appearance at Basildon Combined Court where Recorder Tony Badenock KC heard she was appointed as a temporary Environmental Health Officer in 2020.

Within weeks of her appointment, concerns about her work were identified by members of the council's Environmental Health Team and immediately referred to the council's Counter Fraud Team for investigation.

An extensive investigation found that Yirenkyi had falsely claimed to have carried out 13 food hygiene inspections at food businesses in Thurrock. Yirenkyi issued inspection reports and awarded ratings despite inspections not taking place.

The investigation established that documents submitted as evidence of inspections contained forged signatures. Further enquiries also revealed that a reference provided in support of her application had been fraudulently created by using Southend Council-headed paper.

Following the referral, Thurrock Council began to investigate the matter, gather evidence and subsequently prepared the case for prosecution. Ms Yirenkyi's engagement as a temporary Environmental Health Officer with the council ended immediately following an interview under caution.

All 13 inspections connected to the investigation were subsequently revisited by council officers to ensure that authentic food hygiene inspections were carried out.

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Court proceedings were delayed after Yirenkyi failed to attend a plea hearing in 2020 and a warrant was issued for her arrest. On 17 April 2026, Yirenkyi appeared before the court and pleaded guilty to all offences.

The offences included 13 counts of Using a False Instrument, contrary to Section 3 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, and one count of Misconduct in a Public Office.

On 13 August 2026 Yirenkyi was sentenced to:

• A 16-month custodial sentence, reduced from 24 months after credit for guilty pleas, suspended for 24 months
• Compensation of £5,979.50 to Thurrock Council, payable within 18 months
• Costs of £2,500, payable within 18 months
• A victim surcharge of £149

Coucil leader Cllr Richard Bingley, who is also portfolio holder for Public Protection, Community Safety and Veterans, said: "The council takes its responsibility to carry out food safety inspections extremely seriously, which is why Yirenkyi was stopped quickly and decisively by other members of staff.

"Importantly, all inspections linked to the investigation were revisited to ensure appropriate oversight and maintain confidence in the food safety inspection process.

"We are committed to protecting residents and supporting legitimate businesses. We will continue to take robust action wherever wrongdoing is identified.

"The council has reviewed and strengthened its processes to mitigate the risk of this happening again."