A DERRY woman was told today she faces five years in jail if she doesn’t pay back nearly £20,000 she took in fraudulent social security benefits.
Maria Brown, of 69 Ballymagowan Avenue in the Creggan district, had pleaded guilty in June to fraudulently claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit.
Today, the 54-year-old’s case was back at Derry Crown Court brought by the Department for Communities Financial Investigation Unit.
A Judge agreed that the loss to the Department through Brown’s criminal activity amounted to £19,998 and made a Confiscation Order for the money.
Brown has until February 28, 2017 to satisfy the order for the full amount.
If the Order is not satisfied by this date, Brown will have to serve a five year prison sentence.
Tags: