15 December 2006
STRABANE BENEFIT FRAUDSTERS CONVICTED
Four men and a woman were convicted in Strabane Magistrates' court yesterday for benefit fraud offences.
James Bond (41), of Castlewarren Road, Donemana had failed to disclose savings whilst claiming Jobseekers Allowance and had falsely claimed £7,502 over the period May 2002 to April 2005. He was sentenced to 200 hours community service and ordered to pay £75 on each of three offences and ordered to pay court costs.
Jamie Brown Cupples (27), of Blythe Street had wrongfully cashed Income Support cheques on four occasions between January and December 2004, fraudulently obtaining a total of £472. He was fined £75 for each offence and ordered to pay court costs of £22.
Robert May (63), of Hillview Avenue, Ballyhackamore failed to disclose savings whilst claiming Jobseekers Allowance and had fraudulently obtained £6,327. He was fined £100 for each of two offences and ordered to pay court costs.
James Porter (37), of Lancaster Terrace had falsely obtained £1,773 while working and claiming Income Support. He was given a conditional discharge for two years.
Ciaran Toland (22), of Altan Grove, Lagmore was working whilst claiming Income Support and Incapacity Benefit and had falsely obtained £344. He was given a £75 fine and ordered to pay court costs.
All five are required to repay the money they received to the Social Security Agency.
This brings to 233 the total number of convictions for benefit fraud this year.
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