Two convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court - 08 July 2008

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

Hugh Smyth (48) of Duncairn Parade, Belfast, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £17,053 while failing to declare he was working. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £125.

Denis Keenan (55) of Antrim Road, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £2,080 while failing to declare he was working. He was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £62.

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

This brings to 232 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.