Ballymena woman convicted of benefit fraud

A woman was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court yesterday for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

Nicola Williamson (25) of Millfield, Ballymena claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £5,166 while failing to declare employment. She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for eighteen months.

She will also have to repay the money she wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 401 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.