Four convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

Four people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ court recently for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

A woman claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £4,861 while failing to declare employment. She was given fifty hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £44.

Another woman claimed Income Support, Carer’s Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £6,683 while failing to declare employment. She was given a twelve month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £49.

A man claimed Incapacity Benefit and Housing Benefit totalling £10,089 while failing to declare employment. He was given a two month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

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

Another woman claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £8,570 while failing to disclose capital. She was given a twelve month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £43.

She has since repaid the money she wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 440 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.