Four convicted of Benefit Fraud at Belfast court

Four people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' Court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

The first failed to declare capital while claiming Income Support totalling £9,100. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

The second failed to declare employment while claiming Incapacity Benefit totalling £5,975. He was given a four month custodial sentence, suspended for three years and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

The third failed to declare capital while claiming Income Support totalling £2,109. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of 34.

And the fourth was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £157.

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

This brings to 23 the total number of successful prosecution this year.