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 (37) has been convicted of benefit fraud in a prosecution brought by the Department of Social Protection. The offence can carry a fine of up to €2,500 and/or a six-month sentence.

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

Judge John O'Neill was told his fraud came to light after Mulvany was stopped as he stepped off a flight at Knock Airport. Customs officers searched him and recovered drugs.