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26 November 2008 - Eight convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

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

Mary McKinley (25) of Ross Street, Belfast was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £25 for duplicate encashment of Income Support totalling £747.

Patrick Fegan (23) of Victoria Parade, Belfast claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance totalling £2,782 while failing to declare he was working full time. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

Ann Masterson (49) of Hawthorn Street, Belfast claimied Income Support totalling £7,204 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Linda Cunningham (38) of Glenbryn Parade, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £15,250 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given a 12 month probation order and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

Jacqueline Shortt (23) of Lenadoon Avenue, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £318 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was fined £350 fine and ordered to pay court cost s of £68.

Christine Morton (27) of Wilton Street, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £8,672 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given 75 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Patricia Brady (36) of Whiterock Gardens, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £26,765 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Elizabeth Moore (37) of Parkmount Gardens, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £1,548 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was fined £200 fine and ordered to pay court costs of £28.

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

This brings to 469 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.


Department for Social Development News