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07 October 2008 - Five convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

Five people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

David Gray (28) of Coolfin Street, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £759 while failing to declare he was working full time. He was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Julie Spencer (42) of Silverstream Gardens, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £2,645 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was sentenced to 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Karen Brotherson (28) of Edenvale Crescent, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £16,829 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given 12 months probation and ordered to pay court costs of £52.

Deborah McAfee (45) of Mill Avenue, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £5,221 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was fined £225 and ordered to pay court costs of £28.

Isobel Stephens (33) of Woodvale Avenue, Belfast claimed Income Support of £6,447 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

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

This brings to 379 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.


Department for Social Development News