Six convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court - 23 July 2008

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

Michelle Hawthorne (28) of Devenish Drive, Newtownabbey, claimed Income Support totalling £2,805 while failing to declare she was working. She was given twelve months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Darren Quate (33) of Ballarat Court, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £2,805 while failing to declare his partner’s earnings. He was given twelve months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Alison Wilson (40) of Sunnyside Park, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £5,991 while failing to declare she was working. She was given three months prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Eileen Rocks (37) of Parkside Gardens, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £10,477 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 80 hours community service.

Noleen McKiernan (36) of White Rise, Belfast, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £11,009 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Sharon McAuley (35) of New Barnsley Drive, Belfast, claimed Income Support totalling £10,108 while failing to declare she was working. She was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

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

This brings to 250 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.