§ Lady HermonTo 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]
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§ Mr. SpellarIn 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.