Three convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Court

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

The first was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £37 for failure to declare he was living with a partner while claiming Income Support totalling £8,145.

The second was given 70 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31 for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £3,645.

And the third was fined £500 and ordered to pay court costs of £31 for failure to declare employment while claiming Job Seekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £1,887.

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

This brings to 365 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.