FIVE people have been convicted at Craigavon Magistrate’s Court for claiming benefits to which they were not entitled.
Marty Goddard (42), of Thomas Street, Portadown, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £1,287 while failing to declare employment. He was given a five month prison sentence suspended for three years and ordered to pay court costs of £37.
Margaret McFadden (49), of Coronation Street, Tandragee, claimed Carers Allowance totalling £14,878 while failing to declare employment. She was given 200 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £28.
Thirty-one-year-old Rosinda Dos Santos, of Roslyn Avenue, Portadown, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £1,799 while failing to declare employment. She was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £10.
Gavin Matchett (25), of Moyraverty Centre, Craigavon, was fined £150 and ordered to pay court costs of £38 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £186.
And 46-year-old Susan Mullen, of Sylvan Hill, Lisnaskea, was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £38 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £349.
All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
