Three convicted of benefit fraud at Lisburn Court

Three people were convicted at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

A Belfast woman (39) claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £14,937 while failing to declare employment. She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

A Belfast man (51) claimed Income Support totalling £6,555 while failing to declare capital. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £25.

A second Belfast man (35) claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £4,682 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

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