Three convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Court - 08 April 2008

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

Michael Cunningham (40), of Killeaton Park, Dunmurry, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £1,645 while failing to declare he was working full time. He was given 150 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

Grace Jackson (24), of Tennant Street, Belfast, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £4,437 while failing to declare she was working full time. She was given a twelve month probation order and ordered to pay court costs of £98.

Francis Feenin (63), of Graymount Road, Newtownabbey, claimed Housing Benefit totalling £10,740 while failing to declare he had capital. He was given a conditional discharge for twelve months and ordered to pay court costs of £25.

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

This brings to 110 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.