Two convicted of benefit fraud at Newtownards court - 12 August 2008

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

Deborah Neill (29) of Brooklands Gardens, Dundonald claimed Income Support totalling £2,316 while failing to declare she was working. She was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £28.

Lorraine Grattan (39) of Culcross Place, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £4,603 while failing to declare she was working. She was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

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

This brings to 270 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.