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

Carl Reilly (32), of Slievegallion Drive, Belfast, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totaling £1,431 while failing to declare he was working full time. He was fined £250.00 and ordered to pay court costs of £28.00.

Sarah McMaster (39), of Lisavon Street, Belfast, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totaling £17,973 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was given a twelve month probation order and ordered to pay court costs of £52.00.

Both will also have to repay the money they wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

This brings to 151 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.