Dundonald man convicted of benefit fraud

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

The man claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,991 while failing to declare employment. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

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

This brings to 58 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.