Three locals convicted of benefit fraud by Dungannon Magistrates

Malachy Foye, 67, of Legilly Road, Greystone claimed Pension Credit totalling £3,182 while failing to declare employment.

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

Anne O’Neill, 65, of Gortnaskea Place, Coalisland was given a 12 month conditional discharge for claiming Pension Credit and Housing Benefit totalling £6,770 while also failing to declare that she was employed.

The third, Hannah Anderson, 43, from Hillview Place in Moy claimed £5,832 in Income Support, Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit while she too was working and failed to declare. She was ordered to complete 150 hours community service by the judge.

All three will have to repay the money they wrongfully claimed to the Social Security Agency.