Neighbour Jailed for Sharing Grim Grenfell Body Pics on Facebook
A man living near Grenfell Tower has been sentenced to three months in jail after posting shocking photos of a dead victim from the tragic fire. Omega Mwaikambo, 43, shared videos and close-up images of a male body inside a bag believed to be someone who jumped during the inferno.
Disturbing Photos Spark Outrage
On the morning after the fire, Mwaikambo snapped a body bag outside his flat and uploaded one video and seven images, including graphic shots of the victim’s face and upper body. The posts sparked horror among the public and condemnation from the courts.
At Westminster Magistrates Court, Mwaikambo pleaded guilty to two counts of sending offensive material over a public network. Prosecutor Tom Little said: “He uploaded images showing the deceased in a body bag and then the upper body and face. It appeared the victim was someone who had jumped from the tower.”
Shock Turned to Poor Judgement
Despite living yards from the blaze and even making tea for firefighters battling the disaster, Mwaikambo’s decision to share the images shocked many. The defendant claimed he was horrified to see the body unattended and wanted to attract attention to the victim’s plight. His lawyer explained:
“He was not seeking to gawk but was shocked and trying to find help. It was a terrible error in judgement influenced by the traumatic events he witnessed overnight.”
Mwaikambo has no previous convictions and expressed remorse, apologising to the victim’s family and others affected by the fire.
Judge Condemns Callous Upload
District Judge Tanweer Ikram slammed the posts as “showing absolutely no respect” for the victim’s dignity. The judge added:
“The whole country has been shocked by this tragedy. To show the victim’s face lying there is beyond words. Despite multiple pleas from others to remove the images and contact police, you refused.”
With the serious nature of the offence, the judge ruled that a community sentence or fine would be insufficient. Mwaikambo was handed six weeks for each count, to run consecutively, plus a £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs. Following arrest, Mwaikambo cooperated by handing over his device passcodes and the images were swiftly removed from the internet.
