Five convicted of benefit fraud at Londonderry Court

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

A woman failed to declare employment while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £3,240. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

A man failed to declare employment while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £600. He was given a £250 fine and ordered to pay £67 court costs.

Another woman failed to declare employment while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £8,931. She was given a one month sentence suspended for 12 months.

A third woman failed to declare employment while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £16,593. She was given a one month sentence suspended for 12 months.

Another man failed to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £223. He was given a £250 fine and ordered to pay £45 court costs.

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

This brings to 30 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.