Londonderry Magistrates’ Court hears woman fraudulently claimed more than £14,500 in benefits
A woman has been sentenced at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court for fraudulently claiming more than £14,500 in benefits.
The 35-year-old claimed Universal Credit totalling £14,567.02 while failing to declare that she was living with a partner.
Darragh Doherty, of Thornlea Gardens, Derry / Londonderry, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment suspended for two years.
The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.
The Department said tackling benefit fraud “is a key issue” for the government in Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson said: “The Department is determined to continue in its efforts to root out fraudsters and take back the money they have stolen from our benefit system and, where it is appropriate, will continue to prosecute benefit thieves through the courts.”