Four convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court - 25 June 2008

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

Brigid O’Neill (39), of Rodney Parade, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £5,575 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given a twelve month conditional discharge.

Nicola Hilton (38), of Old Suffolk Road, Belfast, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £15,644 while failing to declare she was working full time. She has been ordered to comply with the probation office for twelve months.

William Speers (22), of Egeria Street, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £166 while failing to declare he was working full time. He was fined £150.

June McGibbon (57), Silver Birch Court, Belfast, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £5,794 while failing to declare she was working. She was given a twelve month conditional discharge.

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

This brings to 216 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.