FOUR people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court yesterday for benefit fraud.

Lindsay Baxter (32) of Manor Street, Belfast claimed Employment and Support Allowance and Jobseekers Allowance totalling £12,039 while failing to declare employment.

She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Jamie Lee Beggs (34) of Bowness Street, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £10,681 while failing to declare employment.

She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Steven Mahon (27) of Tullymore Walk, Belfast claimed Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance totalling £4,179 while failing to declare employment.

He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Joseph Officer (51) of Ardoyne Walk, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £12,525 while failing to declare employment.

He was given a three year prison sentence suspended for two years.

All four are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.