Belfast woman convicted of benefit fraud

A woman was convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court yesterday for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

The woman claimed Income Support and Carers Allowance totalling £17,161 while failing to declare employment. She was given a 12 month custodial sentence suspended for 18 months.

She will also have to repay the money she wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 54 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.