Woman on income support owned houses worth €4.5m, court told

A WOMAN allegedly claiming income support owned and rented out more than 40 houses worth €4.5 million, it was revealed yesterday.

The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) in the North also claimed Frances McCluskey had two cars as well as undisclosed money in a number of bank and building society accounts.

It is understood the ARA is investigating claims Ms McCluskey received up to €115,000 in social security over the last 12 months. Details emerged after the agency was granted a High Court order to freeze her assets, which allows an interim receiver to move in to manage the properties while a further detailed inquiry is carried out in advance of a legal application to have the assets forfeited.