Seven convicted of benefit fraud at Londonderry Court - 18 July 2008

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

Sarah Louise McDonough (42) of Chedal Avenue, Londonderry, claimed Income Support totalling £3,150 while failing to declare she was working. She was given twelve months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £55.

Joanne Toland (24) of Bluebellhill, Londonderry claimed Income Support totalling £698 while failing to declare she was working. She was given twelve months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £58.

Fionnuala Taylor (33) of Elmvale, Londonderry claimed Income Support totalling £2,795 while failing to declare she was working. She was given twelve months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £55.

Noleen Kelly (27) of Gelvin Grange, Londonderry claimed Income Support totalling £5, 789 while failing to declare she was working. She was given two years conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £55.

Gavin McDermott (35) of St Ethnes Park, Londonderry, claimed Income Support totalling £1,909 while failing to declare he was working. He was fined £225 and ordered to pay court costs of £32.

Jason Ogle (26) of Bracken Park, Londonderry claimed Income Support and Carers Allowance totalling £1,960 while failing to declare he was working. He was fined £75 and ordered to pay court costs of £61.

Sean Hegarty (37) of Butcher Street, Londonderry claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £1,295 while failing to declare he was working. He was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £49.

All seven are also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 240 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.