SUSPENDED JAIL SENTENCE FOR DERRY WOMAN (51) WHO FRAUDULENTY CLAIMED £50,000

A Derry woman, who claimed over £50,000 in benefits she was not entitled to, has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Helen McGuigan (51), of Donegall Place, admitted claiming Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Housing benefit totalling £50,960 over a six year period while failing to declare employment.

The offences occurred between between March 2006 and September 2012.

Imposing a 12 month jail sentence suspended for two years at Derry Crown Court, Judge Phillip Babington ordered her to repay any outstanding money wrongly obtained to the Social Security Agency.