Three convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court - 15 April 2008

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

Mary Rafferty (60), of Oldpark Road, claimed Income Support totalling £1,528 while failing to declare she had capital. She was given a twelve month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

Tracey Kelly (37), of Inverary Avenue, was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £25 for duplicated encashment of Income Support totalling £519.

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

Agnes Scott (61), of Kilburn Street, claimed Income Support totalling £10,094 while failing to declare she had capital. She was given a twelve month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Ms Scott has since repaid in full the money she wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 120 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.