WOMEN CONVICTED OF SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD

10 June 2003
WOMEN CONVICTED OF SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD
Two Belfast women were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court at the end of May for falsely obtaining social benefits to the value of more than Ł18,000.

Johanna Barnes of Glencairn Walk, Belfast was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment suspended for twelve months on each of two charges. The north Belfast woman admitted to falsely claiming benefits to which she was not entitled as she was living ‘as husband and wife’ with her unmarried partner. She failed to declare this to the Social Security Office. As a result she falsely obtained more than Ł11,000 between May 2001 and October 2002.

Agnes Loughins of Denmark Street, Belfast was sentenced to 150 hours community service after she was found guilty of falsely obtaining more than Ł7,800 in Social Security benefit. The court heard that Ms Loughlins had failed to declare her earnings as a cleaner.

At the same hearing a bench warrant was issued for the arrest of a third Belfast woman accused of falsely obtaining Ł1,700 in Social Security benefits. Stacey Perkins of Strandburn Parade failed to appear to answer charges of working as a cleaner whilst claiming benefit. This was the second occasion she had failed to appear before the court.

All those found guilty of benefit fraud are required to pay back the money they received to the Social Security Agency.

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