Suspended sentence for benefit fraud at Newry Magistrates Court

One person was convicted at Newry Magistrates Court today for claiming over £16,000 in benefits they were not entitled to.

Cherise Maguire (38) of Lissize Avenue, Rathfriland, made false declarations when claiming Universal Credit, resulting in an overpayment totalling £16,871. She was given four months imprisonment, suspended for three years. The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

Any outstanding money wrongfully obtained must be repaid to the Department.

Suspected benefit fraud can be reported to the Department for Communities anonymously.  Find out more at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/benefit-fraud