A Co Armagh man has pleaded guilty to dishonestly claiming almost £30,000 in benefits he was not entitled to.
The Department for Communities’ Financial Investigation Unit obtained a Confiscation Order to the value of £18,586.62 against a Lurgan man at Craigavon Crown Court.
John Ramsey, 53, claimed Employment Support Allowance on the basis that he was incapable of work.
During his claim to benefits, the defendant failed to declare that he held capital in excess of the statutory limits.
As a result of this he received a total of £29,253.17 in benefits that he was not entitled to.
Back in September, the defendant pleaded guilty to one charge of dishonesty at Craigavon Crown Court.
At the confiscation hearing on December 1, the Court granted a Confiscation Order in the amount of £18,586.62.
The defendant must satisfy the order by March 1, 2018 or serve a six month prison sentence for non-payment of the order, which will remain payable.
