Four convicted of benefit fraud

Four people from Lurgan and Portadown have been convicted at Craigavon Magistrates' Court for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

Marie McCreesh (48) of Ridgeway Park North, Portadown claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance totalling £2,575 while failing to declare capital. She was given an absolute discharge.

David McConville (53) of Ailsbury Park, Lurgan claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance totalling £6,556 while failing to declare an occupational pension. He was given a three year conditional discharge.

David Wright (42) of Russell Drive, Craigavon claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance totalling £6,363 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three year conditional discharge.

Brian Marshall (55) of Rampart Street, Lurgan claimed Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,430 while failing to declare employment. He was given a two month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.