Suspended sentence for benefit fraud at Craigavon Crown Court
Date published:
A woman has been convicted at Craigavon Crown Court for fraudulently claiming over £16,300 in benefits.
Eibhlin Cunningham (38), of Milfort Mews, Dunmurry, claimed Universal Credit totalling £16,371.47 whilst failing to declare that she was living with a partner. She was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment suspended for 16 months.
The Department for Communities Financial Investigation Unit also obtained a confiscation order of £16,783.14 against Ms Cunningham. This amount includes the £16,371.47 wrongly paid and is adjusted to reflect changes in the value of money over time. Ms Cunningham must satisfy the confiscation order within six months or serve a one-year custodial sentence.
The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.
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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