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  • Woman given suspended sentence over benefit fraud

    Topics:
    • Benefit fraud

    Date published: 24 October 2025

    A woman was convicted at Newry Crown Court today for claiming over £38,000 in benefits she was not entitled to.

    Lisa Magee (35) of Lodge Meadows, Hilltown, Newry, claimed Universal Credit totalling £38,388 whilst failing to declare joint living arrangements.

    Ms Magee was given 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

    The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

    She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

    Suspected benefit fraud can be reported anonymously.  Find out more on nidirect. 

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