Two convicted of benefit fraud at Newtownards court

Two women were convicted at Newtownards Magistrates Court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

The first woman claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £13,742 while failing to disclose she had capital. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £31 court costs.

The other claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £8,312 while failing to declare employment. She was given 60 hours community service and ordered to pay £28 court costs.

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

This brings to 371 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.