10/06/2003
Women convicted of social security fraud
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) have released details today in which two Belfast women were convicted for falsely obtaining social benefits to the value of more than £18,000.
Johanna Barnes of Glencairn Walk, Belfast was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment suspended for twelve months on each of two charges following an appearance at Belfast Magistrates’ Court at the end of May.
The north Belfast woman admitted to falsely claiming benefits to which she was not entitled as she was living ‘as husband and wife’ with her unmarried partner. She failed to declare this to the Social Security Office and as a result claimed more than £11,000 between May 2001 and October 2002.
Agnes Loughins of Denmark Street, Belfast was sentenced to 150 hours community service after she was found guilty of falsely of also claiming more than £7,800 in Social Security benefit.
The court heard that Ms Loughlins had failed to declare her earnings as a cleaner.
At the same hearing a bench warrant was issued for the arrest of a third Belfast woman accused of falsely claiming £1,700 in Social Security benefits.
Stacey Perkins of Strandburn Parade failed to appear to answer charges of working as a cleaner whilst claiming benefit. This was the second occasion she had failed to appear before the court.
All those found guilty of benefit fraud are required to pay back the money they received to the Social Security Agency.
(MB)
Johanna Barnes of Glencairn Walk, Belfast was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment suspended for twelve months on each of two charges following an appearance at Belfast Magistrates’ Court at the end of May.
The north Belfast woman admitted to falsely claiming benefits to which she was not entitled as she was living ‘as husband and wife’ with her unmarried partner. She failed to declare this to the Social Security Office and as a result claimed more than £11,000 between May 2001 and October 2002.
Agnes Loughins of Denmark Street, Belfast was sentenced to 150 hours community service after she was found guilty of falsely of also claiming more than £7,800 in Social Security benefit.
The court heard that Ms Loughlins had failed to declare her earnings as a cleaner.
At the same hearing a bench warrant was issued for the arrest of a third Belfast woman accused of falsely claiming £1,700 in Social Security benefits.
Stacey Perkins of Strandburn Parade failed to appear to answer charges of working as a cleaner whilst claiming benefit. This was the second occasion she had failed to appear before the court.
All those found guilty of benefit fraud are required to pay back the money they received to the Social Security Agency.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.