Suspended sentence for benefit fraud at Belfast Crown Court
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A woman has been convicted at Belfast Crown Court for fraudulently claiming over £20,000 in benefits she was not entitled to.
Maxine Pauley (60), of Pine Way, Belfast, claimed Housing Benefit totalling £24,216.67 whilst failing to declare that she was living with a partner. She was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for twelve months.
The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.
Ms Pauley 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: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/benefit-fraud
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