Belfast woman convicted of benefit fraud

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

She claimed Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £20,051 while failing to declare employment. She was given a combination order of 80 hours community service and two years probation.

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

This brings to 65 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.