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.

The first was fined £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £110 for duplicate encashment of Income Support totalling £68.

The second was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £74 for failing to declare employment while claiming Income Support and Carer’s Allowance totalling £5,026.

The third claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £14,080 while failing to declare he had savings. He was given a two month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

The fourth claimed Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support and Rates totalling £2,764 while failing to declare she had capital. She was fined £200 and given a 2 year conditional discharge. She was also ordered to pay court costs of £55.

All are also required to repay the money they wrongfully received to the Social Security Agency.

The fifth claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £5,409 while failing to declare employment. He was given a £300 fine and a 2 year conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay court costs of £138.

And the sixth claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £2,276 while failing to declare employment. She was given a £200 fine and a 2 year conditional discharge. She was also ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Two have since repaid the money they wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.