Two convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

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

The first claimed Income Support totalling £6,465 while failing to declare capital. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £56.

The second claimed Incapacity Benefit and Housing Benefit totalling £2,898 while failing to declare employment. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £43.

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

This brings to 102 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.