21/07/2014

Pair Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two people have been convicted of benefit fraud at Newry Magistrates' Court today, for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

31-year-old John McParland of Carrickananny Road, Belleeks claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,496 while failing to declare capital. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Noel Larkin, 44, of Lazy Hill, Warrenpoint, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £2,515 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

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

(IT/JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 September 2011
Named And Shamed: Frauds Pay Penalty
A dozen people have been caught fiddling the benefits' system in Northern Ireland. All have been identified on the Department of Social Development's (DSD) own website - a new development - and have had their details circulated to the local media in each of the areas concerned.
16 February 2011
Benefit Frauds Face Court Sanctions
Fraudsters are being made to pay the price for claiming a variety of benefits they were not entitled to. A total of 14 people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court yesterday with Joanne McBride (35) of Portallo Street, Belfast claiming Income Support totalling £4,451 while failing to declare she was working.
24 February 2011
Suspended Prison Term For Fraudster
Nine people were convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Magistrates' court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to - with one handed a jail term. Colin McGookin (52) of Sheringhurst Park, Belfast claimed Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance totalling £25,168 while failing to declare employment.
22 September 2011
Dole Frauds Pay The Penalty
Seven people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' Court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to along with two others in Lisburn. Robert Lee (34) of Commedagh Drive, Belfast was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £302.
28 January 2013
Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud
Three people have been convicted at L'Derry Magistrates Court for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Michael Benson (24) of Bonds Hill, L'Derry claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £4,682 while failing to declare employment. He was given 120 hours Community Service, fined £100 and ordered to pay court costs of £43.