Six convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Court - 10 June 2008

Six people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

Keith Joy (29) of Tullyard Way, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £5,782 while failing to declare he was working. He was given three years conditional discharge.

Lisa Ferguson (30) of Columbia Street, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £2,596 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 18 months conditional discharge.

Brendan McCloskey (39) of Arizona Street, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £4,750 while failing to declare he was working. He was given three years conditional discharge.

Joseph Mooney (45) of Rossnareen Avenue, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £1,983 while failing to declare he was working. He was given two years conditional discharge.

Francis Webb (32) of Rodney Drive, Belfast, claimed Income Support, Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,811 while failing to declare he was working. He was given three years conditional discharge.

Donna O’Hanlon (37) of Annadale Flats, Belfast, claimed Job Seekers Allowance totalling £2,712 while failing to declare she had capital. She was given 12 months conditional discharge.

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

This brings to 193 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.