Newcastle woman convicted of benefit fraud - 09 May 2008

A woman was convicted at Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court yesterday for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

Una McMullan (45), of Ballaghberg Park, Newcastle, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totaling £8,320 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given a twelve month conditional discharge and fined £50.

She will also have to repay the money she wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 147 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.