A 28-year-old man from Londonderry has received a suspended prison sentence for fraudulently obtaining more than £12,500 in Universal Credit by concealing that he was a full-time student.

Michael McIntyre, of Northland Road, was convicted at Derry Magistrates’ Court after an investigation by the Department for Communities. He failed to declare his student status when claiming the benefit, leading to an overpayment of £12,591.58.

McIntyre was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He is also required to repay the outstanding money to the Department.

Suspected benefit fraud can be reported anonymously to the Department for Communities.