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07 April 2009 - Seven convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

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

Elaine Bittles (39) of Lady Street, Belfast was given 12 months probation and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for duplicate encashment of Income Support totalling £133.

John McLaughlin (30) of Dawson Street, Belfast was given 120 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £25 for duplicate encashment of Incapacity Benefit totalling £363.

Catherine Melaney (38) of West View Pass, Belfast was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £37 for failure to declare employment while claiming Housing Benefit and Income Support totalling £5,798.

Joanne Foster (28) of Wolfhill Gardens, Belfast was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £43 for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £12,143.

Katrina McAuley (23) of Violet Street, Belfast was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £34 for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £8,025.

Maria Buckingham (40) of Beechmount Grove, Belfast was given 75 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £34 for failure to declare employment while claiming Job Seekers Allowance totalling £3,033.

Stephen Mackin (27) of Shangarry Park, Belfast was fined £150 and ordered to pay court costs of £33 for failure to declare employment while claiming Job Seekers Allowance totalling £273.

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

This brings to 131 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.


Department for Social Development News