Four convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Court

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

The first was given a £400 fine and ordered to pay court costs of £40 for failing to declare capital while claiming benefits totalling £10,810.

The second was given 70 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31 for failing to declare employment while claiming Income Support of £6,539.

The third was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £66 for duplicate encashment of Income Support totalling £119.

And the fourth was given a £400 fine and ordered to pay court costs of £34 for failing to declare capital while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £7,514.

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

This brings to 386 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.