Newtownards man convicted of benefit fraud

A man was convicted at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court today for claiming benefits he was not entitled to.

He claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £4,603 while failing to declare employment. He was given a two month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

He will also have to repay the money he wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 393 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.