A Greenwich councillor and her father have been found not guilty of perverting the course of justice, a week into a housing fraud trial.
Judge Benedict Kelleher directed the jury at Inner London Crown Court to acquit Tonia Ashikodi, 30, and her father Tony, 50. He told the jury there was insufficient evidence to continue with the charge, which centred on a trust deed submitted to Greenwich Council in May 2018.
The decision meant Tony Ashkodi, from Thamesmead, walked free from court. However, his daughter still faces two charges of fraud by false representation in applications to Greenwich Council for housing in October 2008 and May 2012. She is accused of owning three houses while applying for and accepting a council home in Robert Street, Plumstead. She denies those charges.
- Day 1: Greenwich councillor lied about owning homes, fraud trial told
- Day 2: Greenwich Council boss ‘sought to protect councillor from press’
- Day 3: Councillor’s father ‘kept kidney disease from daughter’
- Day 4: Councillor ‘let out rat-infested house while a council tenant’
Tonia Ashikodi, who represents Glyndon ward and sits on the housing scrutiny panel, has opted not to give evidence, her counsel Notu Hoon told the judge.
The defence insists she was merely holding the properties in trust for her father.
The trial continues on Tuesday.
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