19 July 2006

BELFAST MAN CONVICTED OF BENEFIT FRAUD

A man was convicted at Newtownards Magistrate Court today for obtaining benefits to which he was not entitled.

Darren Thompson (23) of Chamberlain Street, Belfast was given a 12 month conditional discharge for claiming Income Support to the value of £2,842 while failing to declare his savings. The offences occurred between May 2001 and December 2003. Mr Thompson has to repay the money he received to the Social Security Agency.

This conviction is the 117th secured by the Social Security Agency this year in its campaign against benefit fraud.

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