Lisburn: two people convicted of wrongfully claiming benefits given suspended jail terms
Two people have been given suspended jail sentences after being convicted at Lisburn Magistrates Court for benefit fraud.
James Gonsalves (61), of Greenburn Park, Lisburn, claimed Universal Credit totalling £11,219 whilst making a false declaration in relation to capital.
He was given two months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Gonsalves has repaid all outstanding money wrongly obtained to the Department for Communities.
Meanwhile, Naomi Gearon (32) of Hazel Glen, Dunmurry, claimed Income support and Housing Benefit totalling £18,602 whilst failing to declare a change of circumstances in relation to her employment.
She was given two months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Gearon is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongly obtained to the Department for Communities.
The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.
In a statement, the Department for Communities went on to point out that suspected benefit fraud can be reported to it anonymously.