Bishop Street courthouse in Derry
Kevin McCallion, 55, was sentenced at Derry Crown Court on Wednesday for claiming £35,634 in Employment & Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment while living abroad.
He was handed a ten-month sentence, which has been suspended for two years, and ordered to pay back any outstanding money that he wrongfully obtained.
A Department for Communities spokesperson said: “One person was convicted at Londonderry Crown Court today for claiming over £35,000 in benefits he was not entitled to.
“Kevin McCallion, 55, of Faughanview Park, Claudy, claimed Employment & Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment totalling £35,634 whilst failing to declare he was living abroad.
“He was sentenced to ten months imprisonment suspended for two years on each of the three charges to run concurrently.
“The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.
“Mr McCallion is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.
“Suspected benefit fraud can be reported to the Department for Communities anonymously.”
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