Six convicted of benefit fraud at Newry Court

Six people were convicted at Newry Magistrates' Court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

A woman claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £8,666 while failing to declare she had capital. She was given an 18 month conditional discharge.

A man claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £7,523 while failing to declare he was employed. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Another woman claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £2,259 while failing to declare she was employed. She was given an 18 month conditional discharge.

A third woman claimed Income Support totalling £2,923 while failing to declare she had capital. She was given an 18 month conditional discharge.

A fourth woman claimed Income Support totalling £3,713 while failing to declare she had capital. She was given an 18 month conditional discharge.

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

A fifth woman claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £6,579 while failing to declare she had capital. She was given an 18 month conditional discharge. Miss Mooney has repaid the money she owes to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 451 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.