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23 July 2008 - Six convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

Six people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

Michelle Hawthorne (28) of Devenish Drive, Newtownabbey, claimed Income Support totalling £2,805 while failing to declare she was working. She was given twelve months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Darren Quate (33) of Ballarat Court, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £2,805 while failing to declare his partner’s earnings. He was given twelve months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Alison Wilson (40) of Sunnyside Park, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £5,991 while failing to declare she was working. She was given three months prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Eileen Rocks (37) of Parkside Gardens, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £10,477 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 80 hours community service.

Noleen McKiernan (36) of White Rise, Belfast, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £11,009 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Sharon McAuley (35) of New Barnsley Drive, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £10,108 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

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

This brings to 250 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.


Department for Social Development News