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 (54) claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £2,986 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

A man (36) claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £2,339 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £350 and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

A man (28) claimed Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Jobseekers Allowance totalling £3,395 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

A man (58) claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £8,894 while failing to declare employment. He was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

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