Newtownards woman gets 60 hours community service for benefit fraud - 14 April 2008

A woman was convicted at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court today for working while in receipt of benefit.

Between April 2005 and February 2006 Joanne Whyte (34) of Carmeen Gardens, Newtownards, claimed Income Support of £2,263 while working. She was sentenced to 60 hours community service and will have to repay the money she wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 115 the number of convictions secured so far this year by the Social Security Agency in its campaign against benefit fraud.