HC Deb 29 January 2004 vol 417 cc451-2W
Lady Hermon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were convicted of benefit fraud in Northern Ireland in the last year for which figures are available; what the average sentence was; and if he will make a statement. [150662]

Mr. Spellar

In the 2002–03 financial year a total of 325 people where prosecuted for benefit fraud and in the current year 2003–04 to date a further 200 people have been prosecuted. A breakdown of the sentences passed is shown in the table.

Number of people Average sentence/Fine
2002–03
Probation 9 6–12 months
Suspended sentences 21 6 weeks–18 months
Conditional discharge 83 12 months–2 years
Community service 43 109 hours
Fines1 178 £191
2003–04
Probation 8 2–18 months
Suspended sentences 12 1–5 months
Conditional discharge 78 6 months–3 years
Community service 20 126 hours
Fines 82 £209
1 9 of the 178 also received a fine in addition to either a conditional discharge or community service)

In 2002–03 a further 24 people received a formal caution and 67 people accepted administrative penalties totalling £18,255. In 2003–04 to date 22 people received a formal caution and 94 have accepted administrative penalties totalling £32,828.

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