Charles McGee, of Lettermore, Drumkeen, took up a job as a salesman with worldwide fertiliser company Timac Agro Ltd in Co Donegal.

However, for 48 weeks McGee continued to claim social welfare payments amounting to €9,024.

Department of Social Welfare Inspector, Joe Harrison told Letterkenny District Court Tuesday that he interviewed McGee on 1 March, 2015.

He admitted that he now realised that he was breaking the law.

However, solicitor for McGee, Mr Michael Sheil, said his client claimed that Timac Agro Ltd told his client that he could work for a year before he had to declare his income to the Department of Social Protection.

Mr Shiel added that his client now accepted that this was never the case.

There was no legal appearance on behalf of Timac Agro Ltd nor was it before the Court on any charge.

McGee, whom the court was told has health difficulties, did not appear in court.

Judge Paul Kelly was told that McGee only worked for the company for a year.

A total of €28 per week is now being taken from his farm assist payments and that he had paid back €4,004, with an outstanding balance of €5,020.

Judge Kelly fined the accused €250 for illegally claiming social welfare payments on 3 January 2012 and took two further summons into account.

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