Welfare fraudster avoids jail term

A drug smuggler who fraudulently claimed almost €30,000 in benefits for three years when he was living in Lanzarote has been given a suspended sentence.

Gary Mulvany, aged 37, who now resides at an apartment in Summerhill, Dublin 1, has been convicted of benefit fraud in a prosecution brought by the Department of Social Protection. The offence can result in a fine of up to €2,500 and or a six-month sentence.

Dublin District Court heard he failed to tell social welfare authorities that, from July 2008 until May 2011, he was not living in the country while he continued claiming disability allowance.