Two convicted of benefit fraud at Newry Court

Two people have been convicted at Newry Magistrates Court today for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

A man claimed Income Support totalling £15,065 while failing to declare capital. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years.

A woman claimed Income Support and Carers Allowance totalling £9,370 while failing to declare she was employed. She was given a four month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

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

This brings to 319 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.