Benefit Frauds Sentenced In Court

Nine people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court yesterday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

David Crawford (33) of Fairview Road, Newtownabbey claimed Incapacity Benefit and Housing Benefit totalling £8,358 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month custodial sentence suspended for three years and ordered to pay court costs of £46.

James McClenaghan (43) of Clonfadden Crescent, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £3,663 while failing to declare his partner's employment. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Michael Kennedy (30) of Stewart Street, Belfast was given a three month prison sentence suspended for one year and ordered to pay court costs of £50 for wrongful encashment of Employment Support Allowance totalling £882.

Gary Kelly (26) of Elm Street, Belfast was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £25 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £454.

Stephen Sloan (24) of Shankill Parade, Belfast was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £360.

Eamon Smith (31) of Atlantic Avenue, Belfast was given a two month prison sentence suspended for three years and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £347.

Michael Reilly (45) of Shore Road, Belfast was given 60 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £235.

Mary DeBruin (31) of Lake Glen Avenue was fined £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £56 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £167.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Richard Barnes (48) of Beechgrove Crescent, Newtownabbey claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £2,380 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

Mr Barnes has since repaid the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Elsewhere, a woman was convicted at Limavady Magistrates' court for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

Kathleen Henry (38) of Finvola Park, Dungiven claimed Income Support totalling £11,869 while failing to declare employment. She was given 240 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

(BMcC/GK)