28 February 2006

BALLYMENA WOMAN CONVICTED OF BENEFIT FRAUD

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

Michelle Johnston (40), of Queen Street, Ballymena was given a conditional discharge for 2 years after being found guilty of claiming Income Support to the value £1202 as a single person while living with a partner. The offences occurred between August 2003 and January 2004.

Mrs Johnston 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 36 successful convictions since the start of the year. Last year 196 convictions were achieved.

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