Four convicted over false social benefit claims
Four people were convicted in connection with benefits fraud yesterday, part of a larger group charged with using false medical certificates claiming they suffered from epilepsy.
In all, 17 people have been charged under summons following an investigation by the police economic crimes unit after suspicions were flagged by the Social Services Department.
Each applicant claimed to be suffering from epilepsy and applied for a severe disability allowance amounting to nearly €110 per week.
Every certificate was phrased in similar terms and was signed and stamped by a neurology consultant who subsequently told the police that he had never examined those patients.
He also confirmed the stamp and signature on the certificates were false.
All applicants were also found to have a driving licence, despite the fact that people suffering from epilepsy are not supposed to have one.
In most cases, the department managed to ensure that the applicants did not get paid.
Some of the applicants pleaded guilty at the first hearing and were sentenced recently. Four others were convicted yesterday.
A man who registered an early admission and had a clean record sheet was handed a twoyear sentence suspended for four years and ordered to refund the department €1,171.05 within six months.
Two other men, who admitted to attempted fraud, were each jailed for 13 months suspended for two years.
The fourth man was placed under a two-year probation order since he had also breached a previous conditional discharge. He was also fined €250 for breaching the court order delivered in May 2022.
Magistrate Gabriella Vella is presiding over the cases. Inspectors Wayne Borg and Andy Rotin prosecuted. Lawyers José Herrera and Matthew Xuereb were defence counsel.