Suspended sentence for benefit fraud at Belfast Crown Court
Date published:
One person was convicted at Belfast Crown Court today for claiming over £48,000 in benefits she was not entitled to.
Mary McGuigan (64) of Trostan Gardens, Belfast, claimed Employment & Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Personal Independence Payment totalling £48,447 because of a doubtful disability and failing to declare employment. She was sentenced to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years on each of the eight charges to run concurrently. The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.
Mrs McGuigan is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.
Suspected benefit fraud can be reported to the Department for Communities anonymously. Find out more at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/benefit-fraud
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