Four convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

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

The first was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay £22 court costs for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £81.

The second claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £3,394 while failing to declare employment. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

The third claimed Housing Benefit totalling £6,061 while failing to declare employment and living with a partner. He was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

And the fourth claimed Income Support totalling £32,659 while failing to declare capital. He was given 400 hours community service.

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

This brings to 63 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.