A 52-year-old man has been ordered to carry out community service after he was convicted of a number of benefit fraud charges.

Bernard Wheeler, with an address of Lackaboy View, Enniskillen claimed over £5,000 in benefit payments but failed to declare he was working.

On December 16, 2013, June 16, 2014, January 25, 2015 and May 18, 2015 Wheeler made false declarations with the view of obtaining benefits. Also, between December 28, 2010 and May 28, 2015 the defendant fail to declare a change in circumstances whcih he knew would affect his entitlement to benefit, namely that he was working.

The court heard that the case was referred to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) from the Department for Communities (DfC) for undeclared employment from Grafton and Poundstretcher.

Wheeler was interviewed and provided payslips for May, 2015. He signed off in June, 2016 owing £5,127.29.

The defendant agreed with the department that the information was correct but thought he could work 16 hours a week and still be able to claim. However, he admitted that worked more than that as he needed the extra money to help with childcare costs.

To date, the 52 year old had paid back £900 leaving an outstanding balance of £4,227.39.

Bernard Corrigan, representing Wheeler, told the court that there was no dispute by his client. He pointed out that a warrant had been issued for Wheeler but it had remained inactive despite his client living at the same address and was only executed in November, 2018.

Mr. Corrigan said Wheeler had made a timely plea and entered into a repayment schedule and thought that was the end of the matter.

District Judge Steven Keown took into account the defendant's timely plea but said the reality was it was a significant amount of money and a serious offence.

He said a lot of people depend on benefits to make it through the week, especially at this time of year.

Judge Keown ordered Wheeler to complete 100 hours of community service to make reparations to society.