Two people were convicted at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.
Katrina Hiles (35) of Brackaville Road, Coalisland, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £2,327 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 160 hours community service and a twelve month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay court costs of £58.
Patrick Cunningham (60) of Ackinduff Park, Cabragh, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £18,580 while failing to declare he had capital. He was given an eight month prison sentence suspended for two years and was ordered to pay court costs of £49.
Both are also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
This brings to 268 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.
