Lily Yirenkyi, who was employed by Thurrock Council as a temporary environmental health officer in 2020, has admitted 13 fraud offences while serving in a public office.
Yirenkyi also admitted one offence of misconduct in a public office, with all 14 allegations relating to food safety inspections carried out while engaged by the council.
Thurrock Council said concerns were raised about Yirenkyi’s work “within weeks of her appointment” by members of the council’s environmental health team.
As a result, she was referred to the council’s Counter Fraud Team for investigation.
The investigation uncovered evidence that Yirenkyi had fraudulently claimed to have carried out 13 food hygiene inspections at food businesses in Thurrock, issuing fake inspection reports and awarding ratings despite no inspections taking place.
The documents submitted by Yirenkyi as proof that inspections had taken place were found to contain forged signatures.
She was later found to have used Southend Council-headed paper to fake a supporting reference when applying for the position with Thurrock Council.
Yirenkyi’s employment as a temporary environmental health officer ended immediately following an interview under caution, the council said.
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 Basildon Crown 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.
Yirenkyi was sentenced to a 16-month custodial term, reduced from 24 months after credit for her guilty pleas, suspended for 24 months.
She was also ordered to pay £5,979.50 in compensation to Thurrock Council, payable within 18 months, as well as costs of £2,500, also payable within 18 months, and a victim surcharge of £149.
All 13 fraudulent inspection reports submitted by Yirenkyi were later re-investigated by the council to ensure authentic food hygiene ratings were awarded.
Councillor Richard Bingley, leader of Thurrock Council and 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.”
He added: “The council has reviewed and strengthened its processes to mitigate the risk of this happening again.”
