Four convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

Four people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ court today for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.
~ Tuesday, 21 June 2011

A Belfast man claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Carers’ Allowance totalling £4,983 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £550 and ordered to pay court costs of £83.

A Belfast woman claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £353 while failing to declare employment. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £80.

Another Belfast man claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £5,941 while failing to declare capital. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

The final Belfast man was given 75 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £25 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £183.

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