Six convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

Six people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

A Belfast man (31) claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £320 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £62.

A second Belfast man (52) claimed Income Support totalling £2,617 while failing to declare capital. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

A man (24) from Dundonald claimed Income Support and Carers Allowance totalling £5,474 while failing to declare employment. He was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

Another Belfast man (43) claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £13,754 while failing to declare capital. He was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

A Carrickfergus woman (51) claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £7,120 while failing to declare employment. She was given 75 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

A fourth Belfast man (51) was given a probation order for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £470.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money they wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.