Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted at Belfast Crown Court for claiming benefits he was not entitled to.

Samuel Mulholland, 66, of Carrington Street in the city, claimed a total of £18,891 in Incapacity Benefit, while failing to declare employment.

He was given a 10-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Mr Mulholland is also required to pay back any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Residents Return To Homes Following Hoax Alert

A number of residents in the Poleglass area of west Belfast have been allowed to return to their homes.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a suspicious object was found in Cloona Manor.

Police and army bomb experts attended the scene and a number of homes were evacuated. Roads in the area were also closed.

The object was later declared to be a hoax.

Thousands Offered Free Benefit Check

Around 25,000 people are to receive a free benefit check in Northern Ireland.

The initiative, 'Winter Warmth Clinic' has been launched by Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey and will ensure that people are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.

Advisors from Advice NI will carry out the free checks, on behalf of the Social Security Agency, which will assess whether people may be entitled to additional benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance and State Pension Credit, it is understood.

Minister Storey said: "During 2012/13 over £4.1milllion of unclaimed benefits were paid out by directly targeting individuals who may be entitled to increased benefit support.

"To continue this important work I would urge anyone receiving a letter to make the call and see if they are receiving all that they are entitled to.

"I cannot stress the importance of making sure you, or perhaps someone in your family, are receiving all the vital financial support that is due. These payments bring a much needed element of financial relief to households across Northern Ireland."

(JP)