Loughgiel woman fined over benefits

Sarah Quinn (57) of Scally Park, Loughgiel pleaded guilty to charges of making a false declaration with a view to obtaining income support in March 2007 as well as obtaining income support from March 2004 to September 2008 without notifying the Social Security Agency of a change in her circumstances.

She appeared before North Antrim Magistrates Court on Friday.

Overpayments of 9,666.30 in income support and 2172.03 in housing benefits were made to Quinn over the four year period.

A defence solicitor said Quinn’s son had been in America working and had sent money to his mother to store in her account for him.

“She has no experience of the criminal justice system ever,” he said.

“Her family are held in high esteem in the local community. She has never even had a parking ticket before.”

Quinn was fined 125 for each charge and ordered to pay costs of 76.