20 January 2006

LONDONDERRY WOMAN CONVICTED OF £5,000 BENEFIT FRAUD

A woman was convicted at Londonderry Magistrates Court yesterday for obtaining benefits to which she was not entitled.

Sharon McCourt (32), of Waterfoot Park was fined £200 after being found guilty of claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit of £5,010 while working. The offences occurred between January 2004 and August 2004.

Ms McCourt has to repay the money she received to the Social Security Agency.

This case is the latest success in the Social Security Agency's campaign against benefit fraud. There have been 11 successful convictions since the start of the year. Last year 196 convictions were achieved.

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