A woman who used a fake name and bogus training documents to work with a charity has been handed a prison sentence.
Ndinelao Hamwaalwa’s offending came to light after it emerged that an organisation — PHC 100% Ltd — was supplying illegal employees to Walsingham Support in Workington.
Between July 2023 and January this year, Hamwaalwa, 34, was found to have been paid £10 an hour for 48-hour weeks as a support worker for Walsingham.
The charity helps people with learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries and complex needs, and also has an office in Carlisle.
Hamwaalwa used a fake name and presented falsified training certificates to obtain a position she was not qualified for.
Although legitimately present in the UK, she was barred from working in the health sector as she awaited the outcome of an appeal after her claim for asylum was rejected.
Prosecutor Brendan Burke told Carlisle Crown Court today that Hamwaalwa had been paid around £14,000 in wages during the period of her criminal conduct.
It was believed a cut of this money was taken by a man who ran PHC 100% Ltd.
“To get the job she claimed proficiency in all sorts of areas,” said Mr Burke of the falsified training documents presented to Walsingham. “From manual handling to the most concerning: preparation and administration of medication.
“The obvious concern is getting that wrong can be serious and potentially fatal.”
Hamwaalwa, of no fixed address, admitted illegally working when disqualified by immigration status and two charges of fraud.
Marion Weir, mitigating, said she had fled Namibia due to abuse and trauma, leaving behind family members, including children, in search of a better life.
She was qualified in her home country in business administration and project management.
Initially based in Southampton, Hamwaalwa moved to Cumbria in search of better opportunities. Her offending, said Ms Weir, was not sophisticated and there was no suggestion wages were used to fund a lavish lifestyle.
Hamwaalwa was still awaiting the outcome of her asylum appeal, and had used time remanded in custody since mid-May to pursue qualifications in maths and English.
Judge Michael Fanning imposed a four-month prison sentence.
