£24,000 benefit fraud
A Portstewart man was convicted at Antrim Crown Court last Friday for claiming benefits he was not entitled to.
Harry Smith (62) of Castleton Park, Portstewart failed to declare capital while claiming Housing Benefit and Job Seekers Allowance totalling 24,142.
He was given 240 hours community service. He is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
This brings to 18 the total number of successful prosecutions this year.