Laurence Cowan (36) of Stranmillis Gardens, Belfast, had received Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit to the value of £5,657 while failing to declare his savings. He was given a two year conditional discharge and will have to pay court costs of £43.
Pauline McConnell (34) of Sliabh Dubh Path, Belfast, had received Income Support and Housing Benefit of £2,658 while working. She was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £40.
Karen Holmes (28) of Graymount Parade, Newtownabbey, had received Income Support and Housing Benefit to the value of £13,875 while working. She was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £49.
All three will have to repay the money they wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
This brings to 66 the number of successful convictions in 2008 by the Social Security Agency in its campaign against benefit fraud.
