Newtownards woman convicted of benefit fraud

A woman was convicted at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court yesterday for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

The woman was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £28 for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £2,020.

She is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 362 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.