Council worker admits defrauding London fire survivor fund

LONDON (AP) — A former finance manager for the local authority that owns London's fire-ravaged Grenfell Tower has admitted stealing 60,000 pounds ($78,000) from a fund for survivors of the blaze that killed 72 people.

Jenny McDonagh pleaded guilty to fraud, theft and concealing criminal property during a hearing Thursday at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutors say the 39-year old, who worked for Kensington and Chelsea Council, used pre-paid credit cards meant for survivors to withdraw money that she spent on trips to Dubai and Los Angeles, expensive restaurant meals and online gambling. Prosecutor Robert Simpson described her as a serial fraudster who "lives beyond her means and gambles."

McDonagh will be sentenced later.

Hundreds of people were left homeless after the residential tower was destroyed in a fast-moving fire on June 14, 2017.

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