Two women convicted of benefit fraud

Two women were convicted at Magherafelt Magistrates’ Court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

A Magherafelt woman claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £3,004 while failing to declare she was employed. She was given an 18 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £79 court costs.

Another woman from Castledawson claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £4,136 while failing to declare she had capital. She was given an 18 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £64 court costs.

Both will also have to repay any remaining monies they wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.