Seven Belfast people convicted of benefit fraud - 19 August 2008

Seven people were convicted of benefit fraud today at Belfast Magistrates’ Court.

Julie Fulton (25), of Upper Canning Street, claimed Income Support totalling £470 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £28.

Ann Marie Gray, (44), of Aspen Park, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £16,034 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was fined £600 and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Carlie Gray (20), of Hillsborough Drive, claimed Income Support totalling £382 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Charleen Friel, (27), of Duncairn Parade, claimed Income Support totalling £5,706 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given a two year probation order and ordered to pay court costs of £58.

Sandra Bryans (50), of Nelson Court, claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Income Support totalling £2,337 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Margaret Dundon (36), of Brooke Park, claimed Income Support totalling £6,711 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Donna Kavanagh (46), of Pollard Close, claimed Income Support totalling £5,512 while failing to declare she was in receipt of Occupational Pension. She was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

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

This brings to 282 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.