AN Arranmore man has been given a three month suspended sentence for claiming unemployment benefit while he was working.

Michael Sweeney of Leabrannagh was before a recent sitting of An Clochan Liath District Court where he pleaded guilty to charges in a case brought by State solicitor Mr Ciaran Liddy.

The court heard that Sweeney claimed 3,124 euro in Social Welfare payments between March 25 and August 19, 2005.

Solicitor, Mr Sean Bonner, explained his client had gone to work in Dublin with the understanding from his employer that he would be undertaking "casual" work. At the same time, however, he remained "on the dole" in Donegal.

MONEY REPAID

Mr Bonner said Sweeney had since fully repaid the total amount of benefit claimed and was now back living in Donegal where he is currently unemployed.

Judge Zaidan proceeded to impose a sentence of three months imprisonment but suspended the term for a period of two years.