Six convicted at Belfast Maigstrates Court for benefit fraud

SIX  people have been convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for falsely claiming social security benefit benefits totalling almost £55,000.

Four men and two women were hauled before the court following investigations by the Social Security Agency.

The biggest offender was Phyllis Wilson, of Campsie Park, Dundonald in east Belfast.

The 56-year-old claimed Housing Benefit totalling £26,175 while failing to declare she was living with her partner.

She was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £80.

Christopher Liddy (27) of Cliftonpark Avenue, Belfast was given 160 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £110 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance and Disability Living Allowance totalling £1,038.

Ann-Marie Blakely (43) of Shannon Street, Belfast was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £1,038.

Sean Lewis (38) of Antrim Road, Belfast claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £8,686 while failing to declare employment. He was given 120 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £164.

Paul McCusker (41) of Hopefield Avenue, Belfast claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £7,556 while failing to declare employment. He was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £201.

And Stephen Spence (40) of Twaddell Avenue, Belfast claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £7,625 while failing to declare capital.

He was given a 12 month conditional discharge, fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £111.

They were all are also required to repay any outstanding money they wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.