Four convicted of benefit fraud at Coleraine court

Four people were convicted at Coleraine Magistrates’ court today for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

A Garvagh man claimed Income Support totalling £234 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay court costs of £58.

A Coleraine woman claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £10,605 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £225 and ordered to pay court costs of £64.

A Ballymena woman claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £11,805 while failing to declare capital. She was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £76.

An Armoy woman claimed Income Support totalling £13,439 while failing to declare capital. She was give a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £79.

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