James Jennings convicted at Belfast Crown Court of benefit fraud

A MAN has been was convicted of falsley claiming almost £25,000 in benefits.

James Jennings, of Osterley Park, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £24,871 while failing to declare employment.

At Belfast Crown Court, the 61-year-old was given a six month prison sentence suspended for six months.

Jennings will also have to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.