Four convicted of benefit fraud at Craigavon Court

Four people were convicted at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court today for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

A man failed to declare employment while claiming Carer’s Allowance and Income Support totalling £8,154. He was given 5 months imprisonment suspended for 3 years and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Another man failed to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £4,846. He was given 4 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years and ordered to pay court costs of £80.

A woman failed to declare she was living with a partner while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £11,712. She was given 140 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £49.

Another man failed to declare employment while claiming Job Seekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,091. He was given 4 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

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

This brings to 433 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.