Newtownabbey woman convicted of £23,478 benefit fraud - 30 May 2008

A woman was convicted at Belfast Crown Court today for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

Elaine Donnelly (48) of Hollybank Drive, Newtownabbey, was sentenced to 240 hours community service for claiming Income Support to the value of £23,478 while working. The offences occurred between March 2003 and March 2006.

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

This brings to 174 the number of successful benefit fraud convictions in 2008.