13 March 2007
SIX CONVICTED OF BENEFIT FRAUD AT BELFAST COURT
Three men and three women were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today for obtaining benefits to which they were not entitled.
Christopher Slane (20) of Thomas Court, Belfast had wrongfully cashed benefit cheques to the value of £272.00. He will have to pay a fine of £150.00 and court costs of £28.00.
Natasha Burns (21) of Rosapenna Court, Belfast was given a two year conditional discharge and will have to pay court costs of £44.00.
Christina Shannon (21) of Cavendish Street, Belfast had claimed Job Seeker’s Allowance of £1,987 while working. She will have to pay a fine of £200 and court costs of £31.00. Miss Shannon has repaid in full the money she wrongfully claimed.
Adrian Curran (47) of Lagmore Meadows, Dunmurry was found guilty on two charges of claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance while working. The total amount claimed was £2,561. He was given 100 hours community service on the first charge and a two year conditional discharge on the second.
Jean Carson (52) of Ross Road, Belfast had failed to disclose she was in receipt of an occupational pension while claiming Income Support to the value of £7,516. She was given a two year conditional discharge and will have to pay court costs of £25.00.
James Spence (43) of Milewater Way, Newtownabbey had claimed Job Seeker’s Allowance of £1,329 while failing to disclose his savings. He was given a two year conditional discharge and will have to pay a fine of £150.00 and court costs of £22.00.
Those who have not yet done so will have to repay the money they wrongfully received to the Social Security Agency.
This brings to 89 the number of convictions secured so far this year by the Social Security Agency in its campaign against benefit fraud.
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