13 December 2006
BELFAST BENEFIT FRAUDSTERS CONVICTED
Four women and one man were convicted in Belfast Magistrates' court yesterday for benefit fraud offences.
Bernadette Donaldson (36), of Carlisle Road had wrongfully claimed £8,622 Housing Benefit whilst living with her partner. She was given a two months sentence suspended for one year and was ordered to pay court costs of £22.
Susan Travis (64), of Kilmorey Gardens, was in receipt of an occupational pension whilst fraudulently claiming £4,833 Housing Benefit. She was given 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £28 costs.
Joanna Brady (21), of Springfield Close had falsely obtained £2,043 while working and claiming Job Seekers Allowance. She was given a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay £31 costs.
Sinead Stafford (44), of Woodland Grange, failed to declare savings whilst fraudulently claiming £2,037 Income Support. She was given two years conditional discharge.
Robert Brown (23), of Finbank Court, had falsely claimed £475 Job Seekers Allowance whilst working. He was given 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £28.
All five are required to repay the money they received to the Social Security Agency.
This brings to 246 the total number of convictions for benefit fraud this year.
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