Four convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court - 08 July 2008

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

James McGivern (23) of Selby Walk, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £45 while failing to declare he was working. He was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £28.

Diane Fallis (44) of Palmer Street, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £2,080 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £36.

Lisa Brown (32) of Wheatfield Drive, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £1,310 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

James Harvey (50) of Lisbane Gardens, Newtownabbey, claimed Housing Benefit totalling £6,533 while failing to declare capital. He was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £28.

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

This brings to 230 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.