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.

A man claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £7,867 while failing to declare employment. He was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Another man claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Income Support totalling £6,073 while failing to declare employment. He was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

A third man claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £12,316 while failing to declare his partner’s earnings. He was fined £350 and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

A woman claimed Jobseeker Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £3,118 while failing to declare her partner’s employment. She 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.