Suspended sentence for 54-year-old woman convicted of benefit fraud at Laganside Crown Court
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A woman has been convicted at Laganside Crown Court for fraudulently claiming £40,762.81 in benefits.
Iana Bothwell (54), of Carn Drive, Newtownabbey, claimed Jobseekers’ Allowance totalling £14,296.20, Universal Credit totalling £16,440.31, and Housing Benefit totalling £10,026.30 while failing to declare employment. She was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.
The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.
Ms Bothwell is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongly obtained to the Department.
Suspected benefit fraud can be reported to the Department for Communities anonymously. Find out more at NI Direct
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