Newry woman convicted of benefit fraud - 09 May 2008

A woman was convicted of benefit fraud at Newry Crown Court yesterday.

Jean Clarke (59) of Annsville, Newry claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £50,298 while failing to declare she owned property and had income from that property. She was given a 6 month prison sentence suspended for 3 years.

Mrs Clarke is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 146 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.