Three convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Court - 1 April 2008

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

Martin Wheeler (35) of Bradbury Place, Belfast, was given a six month suspended sentence and ordered to pay court costs of £122 for duplicate encashment of cheques for Income Support totalling £865.

Alice McGranaghan (53) of Fort Street, Belfast, claimed Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £10,488 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £110.

Nicola Courtney (33) of Fernhill Grove, Belfast, claimed income Support totalling £782 while failing to declare she was working. She was given nine months probation and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

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

This brings to 104 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.