By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-12 21:45:54 | Updated at 2026-10-12 22:34:04
53 minutes ago
WATCH: Barry Gardiner explains Labour's ballooning benefits bill
A benefits fraudster has avoided jail despite claiming more than £60,000 in illicit payments.
Victoria McGrath, a 44-year-old resident of Millfields in Ballymena, has been handed a 12-month prison term, suspended for three years.
She was convicted of benefit fraud at Antrim Crown Court last week.
McGrath was found to have overstated the severity of her disability in order to claim Personal Independent Payment amounting to £60,585.04.
The Department for Communities uncovered the fraudulent claims through its own investigation.
Beyond the suspended sentence, McGrath has been ordered to reimburse the Department for all funds she wrongfully obtained.
The case represents one of a growing number of welfare fraud prosecutions in Northern Ireland.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has committed to adopting a far stricter approach to benefit fraud across Northern Ireland, where the annual bill to taxpayers exceeds £160million.
Mr Lyons has signalled his intention to resume the practice of publicly identifying individuals found guilty of benefit fraud, a measure he has characterised as central to a "zero-tolerance approach."
"I make no apology for taking a zero-tolerance approach to benefit fraud," he said earlier this year, after it was confirmed benefits fraud had fallen by £60million.
"Fraud is not a victimless crime. Individuals who cheat the system are taking support from those who need it most – family, friends and neighbours.
"Rates of fraud, however, remain too high and we can’t be complacent.
"While the reduction in fraud and error is a welcome development, it would be imprudent to expect this trend to continue without sustained efforts and investment into the Department’s counter fraud and error activity."
The Department for Communities encourages members of the public to report any suspected fraudulent claims, with the option to do so anonymously.
Such prosecutions serve as a stark reminder that those who exploit the benefits system will face serious legal consequences.
"I will continue to seek Executive support for the investment required which will allow us to reinvest the share of savings generated to programmes that support people with barriers to employment, particularly those with disabilities or health conditions," Mr Lyons declared.
You are about to be charged £0.00
