Benefit fraud: Woman, 42, convicted in Belfast

A woman has been convicted at Belfast Crown Court for claiming over £145,000 in benefits she was not entitled to.

Pauline Donaghy (42) of Ballysillan Road, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £145,326 while failing to declare living together with a partner. Ms Donaghy was given a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years.

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The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.

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