Northern Irish woman convicted for fraudulently claiming £35,000 in benefits
المصدر: GB News | Source: GB NewsA Northern Irish woman has been convicted of fraudulently claiming £35,000 in benefits.
Yvonne Hoey, 56, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years.
The South Armagh woman, of Molly Road, failed to declare she was earning capital while claiming the benefits.
The total amount of Employment Support Allowance and rate relief totalled £35,724.
TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayThe Department for Communities investigated and uncovered the fraud.
She appeared at Newry Crown Court for sentencing.
The court heard that Hoey has since repaid all money wrongly obtained.
An unrelated case involved a 61-year-old man who claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £12,304 while failing to declare employment.
John Bloomer, of Aspen Walk, was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months.
He was made to pay all the outstanding money wrongly obtained to the DfC.
Benefit fraud in Northern Ireland costs the welfare system an estimated £233million annually.
The offence forms part of a broader £350million loss when combined with customer and official errors.
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The DfC claims it enforces a zero-tolerance crackdown overseen by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud.
Authorities have imposed fines ranging from £350 to £2,000 for attempted or committed fraud.
They are also made to pay back the full amount.
Serious or repeat offenders face an immediate three-year withdrawal of benefits.
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