A woman and two men appeared at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court today charged with obtaining social security benefits to which they were not entitled.
Ellen Deehan (48), of Drunard Park, Londonderry, claimed a total of £6,490 in Income Support and Housing Benefit but did not declare that she was working. She was given a conditional discharge for two years and has to repay the money she falsely obtained.
Joseph Friel (33), of John Street, Londonderry, wrongfully obtained £200 by the duplicate encashment of a Social Fund cheque. He was given a conditional discharge for two years and has repaid the money.
Neil Farren (24), of Crawford Square, Londonderry, wrongfully obtained £322 by the duplicate encashment of Income Support cheques. He was fined £300 and has to repay the money.
These cases bring the total of successful prosecutions by the Social Security Agency so far this year to 231.
