Five convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court - 01 July 2008

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

Kathleen Feenan (54) of Ligoniel, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £2,529 while failing to declare she was working. She was given a Probation Order for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Margaret McGrand (64) of Bell Close, Belfast, claimed Housing Benefit totalling £20,308 while failing to declare she was in receipt of occupational pension. She was given 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

Rhonda Carson (36) of Landgarve Manor, Crumlin, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £1,945 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 75 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Sarah Chambers (63) of Disraeli Street, Belfast, claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,555 while failing to declare she was in receipt of occupational pension. She was given12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £25.

Thomas Duff (41) of Ballyronan Park, Newtownabbey, claimed Income Support totalling £450 while failing to declare he was working. He was given 120 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

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

This brings to 222 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.