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18 November 2008 - Seven convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

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

Sharon Canavan (42) of Torrens Road, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £6,629 while working full time. She was given 60 hours community service and ordered to pay £31 court costs.

Colette Close (39) of Sliabh Dubh View, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £4,169 while failing to declare she was employed. She was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £31 court costs.

Jacqueline O’Neill (34) of Wolfhill Gardens, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £2,156 while working full time. She was given a £250 fine and ordered to pay £49 court costs.

Kenneth Hawkins (39) of Malvern Street, Belfast claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £2,420 while working full time. He was given a £250 fine and ordered to pay £34 court costs.

Sue-Ellen Green (25) of Roumania Rise, Belfast claimed Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £3,686 while living together as husband and wife. She was given a £250 fine and ordered to pay £58 court costs.

Catherine Fittis (60) of Tynan Drive, Newtownabbey claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £9,455 while working full time. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £46 court costs.

Lisa Downes (30) of Nevis Avenue, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £3,290 while working full time. She was given a 12 month probation order and ordered to pay £37 court costs.

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

This brings to 455 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.


Department for Social Development News