Seven convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

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

The first was given a twelve month probation order and ordered to pay court costs of £19 for duplicate encashment of Income Support and Social Fund totalling £754.

The second claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £16,101 while failing to declare capital. She was given a twelve month probation order and ordered to pay court costs of £52.

The third claimed Income Support totalling £2,226 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £28.

The fourth claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £371 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £350 and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

The fifth claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £2,708 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £58.

The sixth claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £2,797 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £43.

And the seventh claimed Income Support totalling £7,939 while failing to declare capital. He was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £62.

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

This brings to 424 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.